COMPOSERS: Wallace
LABELS: Hyperion
WORKS: Sir William Wallace; Villon; The Passing of Beatrice; Sister Helen
PERFORMER: BBC Scottish SO/Martyn Brabbins
CATALOGUE NO: CDA 66848
The music of William Wallace (1860-1940) is stirring and exciting with fine atmospheric and dramatic writing and colourful orchestration – particularly in Sir William Wallace, based on the composer’s namesake, the Scottish freedom fighter, in which the influence of Elgar in nobilmente mood is apparent. The Passing of Beatrice (1892) is believed to be Britain’s first symphonic poem. Villon, the most successful of the set, is based on the exploits of the French rebel poet, murderer, drunkard and whoremonger – a lovable rogue. One is drawn to comparing the piece with Elgar’s Falstaff. All the riotous behaviour, irony and pathos of Villon is cleverly and subtly portrayed. The BBC Scottish SO plays with zest and commitment. Ideal for lovers of late Romantic music. Ian Lace
Wallace: Sir William Wallace; Villon; The Passing of Beatrice; Sister Helen
The music of William Wallace (1860-1940) is stirring and exciting with fine atmospheric and dramatic writing and colourful orchestration – particularly in Sir William Wallace, based on the composer’s namesake, the Scottish freedom fighter, in which the influence of Elgar in nobilmente mood is apparent. The Passing of Beatrice (1892) is believed to be Britain’s first symphonic poem. Villon, the most successful of the set, is based on the exploits of the French rebel poet, murderer, drunkard and whoremonger – a lovable rogue. One is drawn to comparing the piece with Elgar’s Falstaff.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm