John Gardner (1917-2011)
Symphony No. 2 in E flat, Op. 166 (1984-85)
1. i Moderato
2. ii Scherzo: Allegro molto
3. iii Andante – Largo
4. iv Finale: Allegro moderato

John Veale(1922-2006)
Symphony No. 2 in D minor (1965)
5. i Lento – Moderato
6. ii Vivace
7. iii Andante con amarezza
8. iv Allegro

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA conducted by MARTIN YATES
WORLD PREMIERE RECORDINGS

Martin Yates and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra make a striking discovery by coupling the second symphonies of John Gardner and John Veale, works dating from 1984-85 and 1965 respectively. Gardner was a well-loved figure in his time, as both teacher and composer, writing an enormous amount of music. The Second Symphony espouses a traditional treatment of the orchestra together with a personal lyricism, which will appeal to all who have taken Malcolm Arnold to heart. John Veale’s career as a composer spanned half a century, including notable film music, but was interrupted by a long period when his lyricism was deemed critically unacceptable. The four-movement Second Symphony is a glorious personal statement, from the sadness of the opening cor anglais solo (later developed in the powerful slow movement) to the punchy, rhythmic writing and bold scoring, in which one is tempted to find elements of his sympathy for the American symphonies of the 1940s.

All tracks available in stereo and multi-channel,
This Hybrid CD can be played on any standard CD player

CDLX7332

“Of the numerous discoveries that have appeared on Dutton Epoch in recent years, few have struck me more sheerly engaging than the Second Symphony by John Gardner.” “… it’s a four movement … canvas of notable skill, thematic sustance and personable warmth ...”
“Especially arresting is the darkly plangent slow movement, which is something of the sustained intensity of Shostakovich.” “Hats off to ... Martin Yates and the RSNO for lending it such spry and affectionate advocacy.”
“[Veale] this is a gloriously opulent, ardent outpouring, with many a conspicuous echo of the symphonies by, say, Alwyn and Arnell”
“Again, Yates and company do this music proud, and Dexter Newman’s multichannel SACD sound is big and bold to match.” Andrew Achenbach, Symphonious Albion, Gramophone, Awards edition 2016