Notes and Editorial Reviews
The title Best of British is somewhat of a misnomer for,
apart from Welshman Karl Jenkins, all the music is by Englishmen.
Men at that, not a female composer in sight. But what about
Scotland? Where’s Hamish MacCunn’s magnificent Overture,
The Land of the Mountain and the Flood? And what about
Ireland? A bit more difficult this, I imagine, but Hamilton
Harty’s The Fair Day should have been included,
but With the Wild Geese would have been even better.
I realise that the content of the CDs is based on whatever is
in EMI’s vaults, so as
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there are many representative composers
from Wales, Scotland and Ireland who have not been recorded
by EMI their omission is obvious, but it still doesn’t
account for the collection being predominantly English. However,
I never complain for long when English music is on offer, and
this is a lovely collection which I played through the minute
I got the polythene wrapping off the box.
This is a very interesting compilation. A decision must have
been made that some of EMI’s best recordings were going
to be included. Thus, of the eleven Handel excerpts, we have
two from Mackerras’s 1967 recording of Messiah,
still one of the best, a fine Zadok the Priest from King’s,
Stephen Cleobury’s arrangement of Thine be the glory,
a spritely Queen of Sheba from Owain Arwel Hughes and,
best of all, six pieces from the Water and Fireworks
Musics with the Virtuosi of England under Arthur Davison.
Elgar is given nine pieces, and quite right too, not least because
EMI has recorded much Elgar over the years. The two excerpts
from Gerontius sound very well, with a young Janet Baker
in wonderful voice with Glorious John at the helm. Lawrence
Collingwood’s 1964 accounts of the two salon pieces are
most welcome. Nimrod, and the Larghetto, from
the Serenade, both by Boult, and the Adagio from
the Cello Concerto, in the much underrated Robert Cohen
performance, bring some gravity to the proceedings. Land
of Hope and Glory is given in its original from, from the
Coronation Ode, in a full-blooded performance under Philip
Ledger and Vernon Handley’s 4thPomp
and Circumstance March is straightforward and most enjoyable.
Vaughan Williams, who, for some, is the quintessence of English
music is lucky enough to have four complete works in this collection.
David Nolan is a sweet-voiced soloist in The Lark Ascending,
the Tallis Fantasia is beautifully paced, the Greensleeves
Fantasia is delightful, and everybody lets their hair down
for the March (Seventeen Come Sunday), all under Handley.
Hickox directs easy-going performances of the Variants on
Dives and Lazarus and Rhosymedre.
Karl Jenkins might seem to be a strange choice for this set
but his four pieces go to show just what a variety of work has
been created in the last century in Britain. Adiemus
made Jenkins’s name and he has followed this success with
some big choral and orchestral pieces, from which we have three
excerpts.
With Walton we’re back on familiar territory. I am very
happy that it was Boult’s recording of Crown Imperial
which was chosen for this is the longer, first version, of the
score. It is a very resplendent piece of work, both from composer
and performer. Frémaux and Groves give fine performances
of the Popular Song and the affecting Touch her soft
lips and part.
John Rutter has written some of the most attractive and approachable
music of the past 40 years. But that’s not to say that
he hasn’t created some works of a deeper, personal, nature.
His Requiem is a superb work, and it succeeds because
it is unpretentious and speaks directly to the heart. I am sad
that there was only room for the Requiem aeternam from
this piece. A Gaelic Blessing is a gentle benediction
which receives an understated performance from John Scott and
his musicians.
Now we are left with nine composers, each represented by one
work. The Warsaw Concerto has transcended its wartime
film origins and can take its place proudly in this collection.
In fact, it’s only one of two concerted works here! Daniel
Adni is a fine soloist and plays it as the romantic concert
piece it so obviously is. EMI recorded quite a lot of Malcolm
Arnold over the years and I think that he deserved more than
the first dance from the 2ndSet
of English Dances, but it’s here, I suppose, because
many will recognise it as being the title music for the TV,
now Radio, programme What the Papers Say. The same is
true of Britten and the Sentimental Saraband, from the
Simple Symphony doesn’t really do him any favours
by its inclusion.
Butterworth’s The Banks of Green Willow is given
in a lovely performance under Neville Dilkes and Groves gives
an heroic account of Coates’s The Dam Busters March.
As you’d expect, Delius, the nature poet next; and Hickox
directs a suitably flowing and gentle account of On Hearing
the First Cuckoo in Spring. It’s a shame that Holst
is only represented by an excerpt from The Planets. Admittedly
it’s a fine piece but EMI has much to choose from and
here, surely, was a miscalculation. Likewise Parry. Jerusalem
is a great tune - far too good to be the National Anthem but,
again, EMI has a couple of short orchestral works which I would
have preferred. Finally, Spem in Alium, is one of the
glories of British Church music, if not of British music in
general. This is perfection. The members of the Tavener Choir
excel themselves here.
I really enjoyed this collection, no matter what reservations
I may have about some of the pieces chosen, it’s a pleasant
and interesting walk through the music of part of our country;
sorry Scotland and Ireland. Despite ranging in time from 1964
to 2003, the recordings stand well side by side, are clean and
clear and with a wide dynamic range, and one would never guess
their provenance. There are no notes, just a list of contents,
but no matter for they aren’t really necessary.
I suppose that this is aimed at the Classic FM listener, or
someone who doesn’t want a complete work but is happy
with a bit of this and a bit of that. However, it might just
make some investigate the complete works and that is no bad
thing.
-- Bob Briggs, MusicWeb International Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
The lark ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performer:
David Nolan (Violin)
Conductor:
Vernon Handley
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1914/1920; England
Length: 14 Minutes 52 Secs.
2.
The Planets, Op. 32/H 125: Jupiter by Gustav Holst
Conductor:
Simon Rattle
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1914-1916; England
Length: 8 Minutes 5 Secs.
3.
Concerto for Cello in E minor, Op. 85: 3rd movement, Adagio by Sir Edward Elgar
Performer:
Robert Cohen (Cello)
Conductor:
Norman Del Mar
Period: Romantic
Written: 1919; England
Length: 5 Minutes 6 Secs.
4.
Messiah, HWV 56: Hallelujah! by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Sir Charles Mackerras
Period: Baroque
Written: 1742; London, England
Length: 4 Minutes 2 Secs.
5.
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation 9, Nimrod by Sir Edward Elgar
Conductor:
Sir Adrian Boult
Period: Romantic
Written: 1898-1899; England
Length: 3 Minutes 55 Secs.
6.
Water Music Suite no 1 in F major, HWV 348: no 6, Air by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Arthur Davison
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Virtuosi of England
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1715-1717; London, England
Length: 4 Minutes 13 Secs.
7.
A Mass for Peace "The Armed Man": Agnus Dei by Karl Jenkins
Performer:
Paul Beniston (Trumpet)
Conductor:
Karl Jenkins
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1999; England
Length: 3 Minutes 39 Secs.
8.
Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Conductor:
Vernon Handley
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1910/1919; England
Length: 14 Minutes 43 Secs.
9.
Messiah, HWV 56: For unto us a child is born by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Sir Charles Mackerras
Period: Baroque
Written: 1742; London, England
Length: 4 Minutes 18 Secs.
10.
Fantasia on Greensleeves by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performer:
Colin Chambers (Flute),
Mair Jones (Harp)
Conductor:
Vernon Handley
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1934; England
Length: 4 Minutes 10 Secs.
11.
Pomp and Circumstance Marches (5), Op. 39: no 4 in G major by Sir Edward Elgar
Conductor:
Vernon Handley
Period: Romantic
Written: 1907; England
Length: 4 Minutes 47 Secs.
12.
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Softly and Gently "Angel's Farewell" by Sir Edward Elgar
Performer:
Dame Janet Baker ()
Period: Romantic
Written: 1899-1900; England
Length: 6 Minutes 55 Secs.
13.
Juda Maccabeus, oratorio by Sylvie Bodorová
Performer:
Thomas Williamson (Organ)
Conductor:
Stephen Cleobury
Written: 2002
Length: 2 Minutes 58 Secs.
14.
Variants (5) of 'Dives and Lazarus' by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Conductor:
Richard Hickox
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1939; England
Length: 10 Minutes 36 Secs.
15.
Coronation Anthems (4): no 1, HWV 258 "Zadok the priest" by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Sir Philip Ledger
Period: Baroque
Written: 1727; London, England
Length: 6 Minutes 7 Secs.
16.
Banks of Green Willow by George Butterworth
Conductor:
Neville Dilkes
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1913; England
Length: 6 Minutes 7 Secs.
17.
A Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter
Performer:
Andrew Lucas (Organ)
Conductor:
John Scott
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
Length: 1 Minutes 49 Secs.
18.
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Praise to the holiest (conclusion) by Sir Edward Elgar
Performer:
Dame Janet Baker ()
Conductor:
Sir John Barbirolli
Period: Post-Romantic
Written: 1900
Length: 8 Minutes 16 Secs.
19.
Water Music Suite no 1 in F major, HWV 348: no 7, Bourée by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Arthur Davison
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Virtuosi of England
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1715-1717; London, England
Length: 2 Minutes 27 Secs.
20.
Preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes (3) for Organ: no 2, Rhosymedre by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Conductor:
Richard Hickox
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1920; England
Length: 4 Minutes 11 Secs.
21.
Jerusalem by Charles Hubert Parry
Conductor:
Owain Arwel Hughes
Period: Romantic
Written: 1916; England
Length: 2 Minutes 48 Secs.
22.
Solomon, HWV 67: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Owain Arwel Hughes
Period: Baroque
Written: by 1749; London, England
Length: 3 Minutes 26 Secs.
23.
Spem in alium by Thomas Tallis
Performer:
Wim Becu (Bass Sackbut),
Alan Wilson (Organ),
USA] Paul Nicholson [Choral (Organ)
Conductor:
Andrew Parrott
Period: Renaissance
Written: after 1559; England
Length: 10 Minutes 17 Secs.
24.
Water Music Suite no 2 in D major, HWV 349: no 2, Alla Hornpipe by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Arthur Davison
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Virtuosi of England
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1715-1717; London, England
Length: 3 Minutes 19 Secs.
25.
Songs of Sanctuary: Adiemus by Karl Jenkins
Performer:
Mike Taylor (Quena),
Mary Carewe (Voice),
Miriam Stockley (Voice)
Conductor:
Karl Jenkins
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
Length: 3 Minutes 59 Secs.
26.
Coronation March "Crown Imperial" by Sir William Walton
Conductor:
Sir Adrian Boult
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1937; England
Length: 8 Minutes 33 Secs.
27.
English Folk Song Suite: no 1, March "Seventeen Come Sunday" by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Conductor:
Vernon Handley
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1923; England
Length: 3 Minutes 9 Secs.
28.
Requiem: Requiem aeternam by John Rutter
Conductor:
Stephen Cleobury
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1985; England
Length: 5 Minutes 36 Secs.
29.
Chanson de matin, Op. 15 no 2 by Sir Edward Elgar
Conductor:
Lawrence Collingwood
Period: Romantic
Written: 1897; England
Length: 3 Minutes 37 Secs.
30.
Water Music Suite no 2 in D major, HWV 349: no 5, Bourée by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Arthur Davison
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Virtuosi of England
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1715-1717; London, England
Length: 1 Minutes 32 Secs.
31.
The Dam Busters by Eric Coates
Conductor:
Sir Charles Groves
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1955; England
Length: 3 Minutes 56 Secs.
32.
Requiem: In paradisum by Karl Jenkins
Performer:
Catrin Finch (Harp)
Conductor:
Karl Jenkins
Period: 20th Century
Written: England
Length: 5 Minutes 23 Secs.
33.
Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: no 4, Réjouissance by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Arthur Davison
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Virtuosi of England
Period: Baroque
Written: 1749; London, England
Length: 2 Minutes 12 Secs.
34.
Simple Symphony for Strings, Op. 4: 3rd movement, Sentimental Sarabande by Benjamin Britten
Conductor:
Sir Neville Marriner
Written: 1933-1934; England
Length: 7 Minutes 8 Secs.
35.
Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell
Performer:
Daniel Adni (Piano)
Conductor:
Kenneth Alwyn
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1941; England
Length: 8 Minutes 56 Secs.
36.
Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20: 2nd movement, Larghetto by Sir Edward Elgar
Conductor:
Sir Adrian Boult
Period: Romantic
Written: 1892; England
Length: 5 Minutes 23 Secs.
37.
Music for the Royal Fireworks: Minuets 1 & 2 by George Frideric Handel
Conductor:
Arthur Davison
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Virtuosi of England
Period: Baroque
Written: 1749; England
Length: 2 Minutes 22 Secs.
38.
A Mass for Peace "The Armed Man": Benedictus by Karl Jenkins
Performer:
Guy Johnston (Cello)
Conductor:
Karl Jenkins
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1999; England
Length: 7 Minutes 36 Secs.
39.
Salut d'amour, Op. 12 by Sir Edward Elgar
Conductor:
Lawrence Collingwood
Period: Romantic
Written: 1888/1889; England
Length: 3 Minutes 49 Secs.
40.
Pieces (2) for Small Orchestra: no 1, On Hearing the First Cuckoo by Frederick Delius
Conductor:
Richard Hickox
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1912; France
Length: 6 Minutes 5 Secs.
41.
Façade: Suite no 2 - Popular Song by Sir William Walton
Conductor:
Louis Frémaux
Period: 20th Century
Written: by 1938; England
Length: 2 Minutes 17 Secs.
42.
Henry V: Orchestral Suite - no 4, Touch her soft lips and part by Sir William Walton
Conductor:
Sir Charles Groves
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1943-1944; England
Length: 1 Minutes 52 Secs.
43.
Coronation Ode, Op. 44: Land of Hope and Glory by Sir Edward Elgar
Performer:
Felicity Lott (),
Richard Morton (),
Stephen Roberts ()
Conductor:
Sir Philip Ledger
Period: Romantic
Written: 1901-1902; England
Length: 4 Minutes 32 Secs.
44.
English Dances (4), Op. 33: no 1, Allegro non troppo by Malcolm Arnold
Conductor:
Sir Charles Groves
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1951; England
Length: 3 Minutes 9 Secs.
Sound Samples
The Planets - Suite H125 (Op. 32): 4. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (Allegro giocoso)
Cello Concerto in E minor Op. 85 (1998 Digital Remaster): III. Adagio
Messiah HWV56 (1987 Digital Remaster), PART 2: Hallelujah (chorus: Allegro)
Variations on an Original Theme, 'Enigma' Op. 36 (1986 Digital Remaster): IX. Nimrod
Water Music (1987 Digital Remaster), Suite in F: Air
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Messiah HWV56 (1987 Digital Remaster), PART 1: For unto us a child is born (chorus: Andante allegro)
Fantasia on 'Greensleeves'
Pomp and Circumstance - Military Marches Op. 39: No. 4 in G
The Dream of Gerontius Op. 38 (1999 Digital Remaster), Part II: Softly and gently (Angel, chorus, semi-chorus)
Thine be the glory (Maccabaeus)
Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'
Coronation Anthems (1727): Zadok the Priest HWV 258
The Banks of Green Willow - Idyll for orchestra (1988 Digital Remaster)
A Gaelic Blessing (words adapted from an old Gaelic rune)
English Dances - Set II Op. 33 (1998 Digital Remaster): 5. Allegro non troppo
The Dream of Gerontius Op. 38 (1999 Digital Remaster), Part II: But hark! a grand mysterious harmony (Soul, Angel, chorus)
Water Music (1987 Digital Remaster), Suite in F: Bourrée
Three Preludes Founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes (orch. Arnold Foster): 2. Rhosymedre (melody by J. D. Edwards, 1805-1885)
Solomon HWV67: Sinfonia (The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba)
Water Music (1987 Digital Remaster), Suite in D: Alla Hornpipe
Crown Imperial - Coronation March (1937) (1995 Digital Remaster)
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