Autumn Legend For Cor anglais And String Orchestra (1954): Molto moderato
Pastoral Fantasia For Viola And String Orchestra (1939): Moderato
Tragic Interlude For 2 Horns, Timpani And String Orchestra (1936): Adagio, marcato e appassionata
Lyra Angelica - Concerto For Harp And String Orchestra (1954): I Adagio
Lyra Angelica - Concerto For Harp And String Orchestra (1954): II Adagio, ma non troppo
Lyra Angelica - Concerto For Harp And String Orchestra (1954): III Moderato
Lyra Angelica - Concerto For Harp And String Orchestra (1954): IV Allegro jubiloso
Alwyn (1905-85) is one of the more neglected British composers of this century. His music, as presented on this Chandos state-of-the-art release, successfully avoids the lushly lyrical specter of Vaughan Williams. (Alwyn... more » sometimes takes deep bows to Vaughn Williams with his occasional use of atonality, particularly in his symphonies and works for string orchestra). These works are for string orchestra and harp (Lyra Angelica), cor anglais (Autumn Legend) and viola (Pastoral Fantasia). If Alwyn has a soul-mate, it's probably his older (and just as cranky) contemporary Arnold Bax. This disc is an excellent introduction to Alwyn. --Paul Cook« less
Alwyn (1905-85) is one of the more neglected British composers of this century. His music, as presented on this Chandos state-of-the-art release, successfully avoids the lushly lyrical specter of Vaughan Williams. (Alwyn sometimes takes deep bows to Vaughn Williams with his occasional use of atonality, particularly in his symphonies and works for string orchestra). These works are for string orchestra and harp (Lyra Angelica), cor anglais (Autumn Legend) and viola (Pastoral Fantasia). If Alwyn has a soul-mate, it's probably his older (and just as cranky) contemporary Arnold Bax. This disc is an excellent introduction to Alwyn. --Paul Cook
R. J. ROULSTON | Colbert, WA United States | 10/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard this music on my clock radio. I had tuned in the local NPR station to help me fall asleep, but as soon as the "Pastoral Fantasia" played, I couldn't possibly sleep with such majestic and soulful music playing. I had never heard of Alwyn, and struggled to find the CD, but now I play it every day. I find the music penetrating my life in so many ways, and it resonates in my mind constantly. Putting this CD in my stereo in the morning is like heaven on earth. Even my friends who do not care for classical music find the Alwyn CD addictive!"
Wow!
Tina Lee | New Haven, CT | 02/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first became interested in Alwyn's music after watching Michelle Kwan skate to Lyra Angelica in 1998. The CD quickly became on of my all-time favorites! Alwyn's music is ethereally gorgeous yet at the same natural and refreshing. I am a violist and would love to learn the Pastoral Fantasia. Buy this CD. It will lift your spirits!
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Wonderful recording
V. Chau | San Diego, CA | 06/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is truly beautiful. Buy it!"
Fantastic journey into the composers mind.
Tina Lee | 03/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"William Alwyn has captured pure beauty in his music. The Pastoral Fantasia embodies much of what Debussy tried to capture in his music; sunsets, trees, waves, clouds, and all that represents beauty and majesty in the natural world. The quality of this CD is excellent, just make sure you play it loud and with maximum bass capability! It will touch your soul."