Search - Edmund Rubbra, Norman Del Mar, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Rubbra: Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 4; A Tribute; Resurgam

"This music possesses eloquence and nobility, and clearly tells of deep and serious things. Let me say that the performances by the Philharmonia under Norman Del Mar are as dedicated as their earlier accounts of the Sixth and Eighth Symphonies. The recorded sound is pretty much state-of-the-art, with superb clarity and presence and transparent well-defined textures. This is an important issue and is strongly recommended." - GRAMOPHONE Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) was a fundamentally conservative English composer of working-class origins who wrote large symphonic works that seem at once very much of their time and place, and yet universal in appeal. Rubbra began piano study at the age of eight, but at fourteen was compelled to take a job as a railway clerk. At age sixteen he gave a recital in his hometown of the music of Cyril Scott, a British composer he much admired at that age, and hearing of it Scott took the young lad as a private pupil. Rubbra went on to win a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, where he studied composition with Gustav Holst and wrote his first works. In later years Rubbra lectured at Oxford University and taught composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His eleven symphonies, along with other works, have been growing steadily in public awareness and appreciation since his death, and he has developed a strong, almost cult following. Conductor Norman Del Mar, who began his career as assistant to Sir Thomas Beecham, specialized in British composers and made more than seventy recordings.