COMPOSERS: Arnold
LABELS: EMI Eminence
WORKS: Woodwind & brass concertos
PERFORMER: Soloists; Bournemouth Sinfonietta/Norman Del Mar, etc
CATALOGUE NO: CD-EMX 2271 ADD/ DDD (1980/85)
Robert Irving’s Arnold recordings with the Philharmonia in the Fifties are unquestionably classics. Arnold’s sheer verve and cheek breathe through his Coronation ballet Homage to the Queen and the Philharmonia’s dazzling individual players are every bit its match. The soloists in a useful collection of the concertos are fine, too, with Richard Adeney (flute) and Alan Civil (horn) pick of the bunch. A raspy, close-miked acoustic mars the opening First Clarinet Concerto, however, and the Bournemouth strings have the odd ropy moment. Roderic Dunnett
Arnold: Woodwind & brass concertos
Robert Irving’s Arnold recordings with the Philharmonia in the Fifties are unquestionably classics. Arnold’s sheer verve and cheek breathe through his Coronation ballet Homage to the Queen and the Philharmonia’s dazzling individual players are every bit its match. The soloists in a useful collection of the concertos are fine, too, with Richard Adeney (flute) and Alan Civil (horn) pick of the bunch. A raspy, close-miked acoustic mars the opening First Clarinet Concerto, however, and the Bournemouth strings have the odd ropy moment. Roderic Dunnett
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm