Arnold: Symphonies (Complete) / Dances

Arnold: Symphonies (Complete) / Dances cover $65.00 Low Stock add to cart

MALCOLM ARNOLD
Arnold: Symphonies (Complete) / Dances
Ireland National Symphony Orchestra; Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Penny

[ Naxos / 6 CD Box Set ]

Release Date: Friday 29 October 2021

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Recorded in the presence of the composer, Andrew Penny's survey of the Complete Symphonies and Dances by Sir Malcolm Arnold has long been considered to contain benchmark recordings. Born in 1921, Sir Malcolm Arnold quickly established himself as a fluent and versatile composer, a gifted tunesmith and a brilliant orchestrator. His music is typically lucid in texture, rich in melody and clear in draughtsmanship yet there are frequent signs of a complex musical personality and dramatic tensions not far beneath the surface. The Dances are light-hearted, vivid and jaunty, yet the nine symphonies explore the composer's darker side, painting a picture of his private 'journey through hell' as he struggled with physical and mental health issues. They are masterworks which exert continued appeal and stimulate repeated listening.

"Andrew Penny seems born to the task of conducting these explosive works...All this on a bargain-priced label!" Fanfare (Syms 1 & 2)

"Once again Andrew Penny leads Dublin's premier orchestra in readings that bring out the full dramatic and poetic contrasts of these very differing works" (Fanfare Sym 3 & 4)

"The performances are very powerful…you won't feel short-changed by Penny's thoughtful and dramatic readings; and while his Irish band may not be front-rankers they play with a passion and commitment that's a joy to hear.....Fifteen years on and these performances are still up there with the best; excellent recording, too" (MusicWeb Syms 7 & 8)

"These performances have the composer's imprimatur (he was present at the recording sessions) and can be cordially recommended. The Naxos sound…does not lack brilliance." (Penguin Guide Dances)

Centenary Edition - Sir Malcolm Arnold's Complete Symphonies and Dances (6-disc boxed set)