One advantage of living in Huddersfield was that I was able to get along to the Arthur Butterworth premiere, in a well-attended concert at the Town Hall. Butterworth's 7th Symphony is in a single movement of about 20 minutes for normal orchestral forces, with the addition of a third trumpet. Sibelius' 7th is name-checked in the programme note, but this piece is loosely a rondo and based on a 3 note theme developed rhythmically and harmonically. There are some striking passages, notably in the slower section about two thirds into the symphony, with groups of woodwind/brass playing to a background of shimmering strings. A well-argued work, which I would enjoy hearing again.
The composer was at the performance and acknowledged the deserved acclaim. If I'm fortunate to live to my late 80s, it would be good to look as well as Arthur Butterworth .
The composer was at the performance and acknowledged the deserved acclaim. If I'm fortunate to live to my late 80s, it would be good to look as well as Arthur Butterworth .