Search - William Alwyn, David Lloyd-Jones, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra :: William Alwyn: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5; Lyra Angelica (Harp Concerto)

Wonderful introduction to Naxos' Alwyn cycle

R. Rockwell | Brooklyn, NY USA | 11/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hope that William Alwyn will become a better known because of the Naxos series of symphonies. The Lyra Agelica is an outright masterpiece, ispired by the seventeenth century meatphysical poets. Their rhapsodic style is mirrored in what is a concerto for harp and string orchestra with a wonderful performance by Suzanne Willson on harp. The fifth symphony subtitled Hydrotapia or Urn burial is dedicated do Thomas Browne who wrote an essay by that name.. The symphony was written many decades after his four symphony cycle. It is a short symphony in one movement that is a a meditation upon death.

The second symphony was Alwyn's favorite according to the liner notes which provide a great introduction to Alwyn and his music,

I had purchased hickox's complete Alwyn before I realized that Naxos was plannin to release their series. I have come to learn over the years that Naxos assembles a fine orchestra and in the Royal Liverpool phil. conducted by lloyd Joness they have equalled and exceeded those of Hickox. I find the Lrra even better.

Please excuse typos I have a neurologic disease."

Absolutely beautiful music

Biblibio | 02/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has two very nice symphonies, and then the harp concerto. Both symphonies are elegant, nice to listen to, interesting, fun... In other words, everything a symphony ought to be. They're very enjoyable to listen to.



Then again, the gem of this CD is the "Lyra Angelica", the harp concerto. I don't know how many harp concertos most people have heard, but this is simply breathtaking. It's so incredibly beautiful, but it's also plain nice. While I was worried that this would be TOO pretty and then not substantial enough, I turned out to be very wrong. It's beautiful, YES, but it's also amazing and wonderful to listen to. It's not only a sweet little harp plucking so that you fall asleep. It's just like any other concerto, but instead of a violin or piano, you've got one of the loveliest instruments in the world: the harp.



I definitely recommend this. I'd never heard much of Alwyn's work before this, but now I'm interested. The two symphonies are great listens, even if they're far behind the beautiful harp concerto.



Buy this disc! At this price, for this music, it's a wonderful deal!"

Heavenly Music

Charles E. Jeffries | Weston, WV USA | 05/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I highly recommend these Alwyn selections..they are lyrical and calming, an oasis of peaceful melody. Highly recommended for fans of Hohvanness, Delius, or Vaughn Williams."