Coleridge-Taylor: Symphony in A minor & Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

There is no doubting the strength of Coleridge-Taylor’s invention, though, in this generally affable work, especially in this sprightly performance [of the Symphony]…Sargent's exuberant 1962... — BBC Music Magazine, May 2022, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 18th Feb 2022
Catalogue No: ALC1462
Label: Alto

BBC Music Magazine

May 2022

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Coleridge-Taylor: Symphony in A minor

Aaarhus Symphony Orchestra
Douglas Bostock

Coleridge-Taylor: Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

Royal Choral Society, Philharmonia Orchestra
Sir Malcolm Sargent

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“(His) Symphony is a very likeable discovery. Both middle movements display a disarming melodic felicity and assurance, and admiring glances towards Dvořák, although Stanford (his teacher) was never happy with the finale. It was first played by RCM students in 1896 (including Holst and Vaughan Williams !). Although it went down well, it gathered dust for over a century. Bostock’s alert and affectionate lead enjoy making its acquaintance … crisp and clear sound for this world premiere recording. In every respect, a solid thumbs-up” [Gramophone] “The much-loved Hiawatha's Wedding Feast recalls the extraordinary excitement of its first performance. Coleridge-Taylor was then 23 and the work an immediate and wild success. Parry suggested that because of the composer's West African father, "he loved plenty of sound, plenty of colour, simple and definite rhythms and, above all, plenty of tune". All these qualities kept it popular, and are admirably captured here: the Philharmonia provide the orchestral colour, and Sir Malcolm keeps the admirable Royal Choral Society on their rhythmic toes. Richard Lewis gives a suitably romantic Onaway! Awake, beloved ! Hiawatha's Wedding Feast has been done proud in every way” [Gramophone]

Reviews

May 2022

There is no doubting the strength of Coleridge-Taylor’s invention, though, in this generally affable work, especially in this sprightly performance [of the Symphony]…Sargent's exuberant 1962 recording [of Hiawatha's Wedding] with the Royal Choral Society and Philharmonia Orchestra is an invaluable document of a remarkable phenomenon arising from some utterly enchanting music.

Coleridge-Taylor: Symphony in A minor & Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

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