Robin Milford (1903-1959)

[eschiss1]

does it have a slow introduction? Maybe that's what the "Andante" refers to. Often (too often, even for much better known repertoire works' first movements) the introduction's tempo is given and not that of a main tempo (not that there's always just -one- "introductory" tempo or "main" tempo, of course, and not that that scheme always fits every work...)

[Justin]

You can listen to the recording I uploaded in the downloads board, but no, it starts off with a bouncy opening.

"Allegro" would be more appropriate if you use a simple tempo marking.

[Gareth Vaughan]

I agree, Justin - but there it is. Andante is the marking. Metronome mark: dotted crotchet = 72.

[Justin]

Gareth, could you confirm that your copy of the score shows Op. 34?

[Gareth Vaughan]

I can and do so confirm. I have just listened to the first movt. of your download with the score. It is the same work.

[Justin]

Thank you.

Strange marking, but it sounds great at the tempo set in the recording.

[semloh]

I had actually e-mailed the London Music Press to ask for the markings - but no reply yet. In the meantime, Gareth has supplied the information. Our wonderful UC members never fail to impress! 

[Hector]

Thank you for posting this. I rather like it despite being a bit dubious about the mock-Tudor sound of some the first movement, and the finale which sounds like that of a suite rather than a symphony - but never mind! It is well written, engaging and has emotional depth in parts. I was surprised to find so few recordings by Milford, his music is surely commercial?

[semloh]

I have to say that I rather like the "mock Tudor" element, maybe because it makes a nice accompaniment to the TV series "Monarchy" which we are currently going through and have arrived at Henry VIII.
I agree, it sound more like a suite (even a film suite) than a symphony. Enjoyable rather than profound.
I never heard back from the London Music Press, BTW.