Holst's Costwolds Symphony and others from Naxos

[sdtom]

One I'll definitely add to the collection.
Tom

[M. Henriksen]

I would just like to mention that we established a topic (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,1929.msg22869.html) for this record back in November 2011. Could the administrators merge it together with the new one maybe?


Morten

[Mark Thomas]

AS you can see, I've done just that. Thanks for the tip.

[M. Henriksen]

Thanks for the prompt response Mark!


Morten

[Dylan]

Well a preliminary audition suggests that (as expected?) JoAnn Falletta makes a much better case for the Cotswold Symphony than the rather faceless earlier recording, with a more nuanced and fully characterised performance; but having said that, it's still no masterpiece, although the chief problem remains the inexplicably perfunctory first movement - what was Holst thinking? But if one is prepared to think of it as a superior orchestral suite, then it's a thoroughly enjoyable piece of music on its own terms, even if I still don't find the slow movement quite as profound as many commentators tell me it is. Nevertheless, a recording I wasn't at all sure was necessary turns out to be decidedly worth making and having...(A quick listen to another new Naxos recording - Delius' Mass of Life - suggests to me a very valiant effort only handicapped by what sounds like a slightly under-strength choir; under-strength for this piece that is, which really demands a wall of sound at times; but it's early days (evenings) yet, and I need to listen some more...)