Sensational value in this two-CDs-for-the-price-of-one package. Dutton Epoch presents the composer directing the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in his powerfully Sibelian Fourth Symphony and his dramatic Viola Concerto, the latter with Sarah-Jane Bradley as the commanding soloist. The coupling is an exciting discovery, with the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli at his prime in Butterworth's coruscating First Symphony from the 1958 Proms, remastered here in pristine digital sound. The package is completed with the composer's memories of his life and the background to the symphonies.
CD 1
Symphony no.4 op.72 (1986)
(i) Moderato quasi allegro
(ii) Allegretto con moto
(iii) Adagio
(iv) Largamente Allegro molto, quasi presto
ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA
Arthur Butterworth (conductor)
Recorded:
Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 30-31 May 2008
Arthur Butterworth talking about his life and work
Arthur Butterworth's autobiographical memories are taken from a recording of a lecture given to the British Music Society at the New Cavendish Club, London, on 15 April 2008. Dutton Epoch would like to thank the British Music Society in making this available and giving permission for it to appear here.
CD 2
Viola Concerto op.82 (1988-92)
(i) Con moto (crochet = 54-58)
(ii) Adagio Cadenza
(iii) Allegro molto, quasi presto
Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola)
ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA
Arthur Butterworth (conductor)
World premiere recordings
Recorded:
Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 30-31 May 2008
Symphony no.1 op.15 (1957)
(i) Allegro molto moderato
(ii) Lento molto
(iii) Allegretto con moto
(iv) Vivacissimo e furioso
HALLé ORCHESTRA
Sir John Barbirolli (conductor)
Recorded:
At the Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London, 29 August 1958. Broadcast (mono) made available by courtesy of The Barbirolli Society (www.barbirolli.co.uk)
CDLX 7212
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“This is really first-class and a most welcomed issue, certainly overdue with regard to the merits of the music it contains.”
Robert Matthew-Walker, International Record Review, May 2009
“Dedicated Anglophiles will find this enterprising double-pack well worth checking out.” Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone, August 2009