COMPOSERS: Parry
LABELS: Chandos
WORKS: Symphonic Variations; From Death to Life; Concertstück in G minor; Elegy for Brahms
PERFORMER: London Philharmonic/Matthias Bamert
CATALOGUE NO: CHAN 7006 DDD (1991/92)
These short orchestral pieces were used as make-weights when Chandos first recorded Parry’s complete symphonies. They make an engaging and representative disc, with music from his apprentice years in the long-lost Concertstück of 1877 to a touching late work written four years before his death in 1918, From Death to Life. The disc is perfect for those who want to sample the composer without investing in the boxed set of symphonies. Although lacking the incandescence and visionary power of Elgar, Parry reveals a civilised mind and a full heart which make his music wonderfully companionable. Both recording and playing are absolutely first class. Anthony Payne
Parry: Symphonic Variations; From Death to Life; Concertstück in G minor; Elegy for Brahms
These short orchestral pieces were used as make-weights when Chandos first recorded Parry’s complete symphonies. They make an engaging and representative disc, with music from his apprentice years in the long-lost Concertstück of 1877 to a touching late work written four years before his death in 1918, From Death to Life. The disc is perfect for those who want to sample the composer without investing in the boxed set of symphonies. Although lacking the incandescence and visionary power of Elgar, Parry reveals a civilised mind and a full heart which make his music wonderfully companionable.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm