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Alwyn: Symphonies No 1 & 3 / Lloyd-jones, Et Al


Release Date: 02/21/2006 
Label:  Naxos   Catalog #: 8557648   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  William Alwyn
Conductor:  David Lloyd-Jones
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
Length: 1 Hours 9 Mins. 

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Notes and Editorial Reviews

Although best known for his film music, William Alwyn composed five symphonies (among other concert works). Symphony No. 1 unsurprisingly marries symphonic form to an engaging dramatic narrative. The first movement's slow, quiet introduction is pregnant with anticipation of the conflict to come, while the moving Adagio features one of those irresistibly hummable movie-style tunes. And connoisseurs of classic film cannot help but conjure cinematic images as they listen to Alwyn's triumphant, brassy Allegro jubilante finale. But even without such associations, the First is a fine symphony in its own right.


The three-movement Symphony No. 3 is even more compelling. Alwyn states that he used a "new kind of 12-note Read more system", but the resulting music is certainly not atonal. Indeed, much of it has a modal quality similar to Vaughan Williams--a similarity that extends to the music's formal plan, warlike character, and sometimes even the orchestration (the brass writing in the first movement, and the woodwind/string interplay of the finale's "scherzo" section)--all of which are reminiscent of that composer's Sixth Symphony. But Alwyn's own voice predominates, and the symphony is enjoyable for its powerfully argued rhetoric and taut thematic construction. Conductor David Lloyd-Jones certainly believes in this music, as he demonstrates in these winning performances with the excellent Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Naxos provides first-rate sound.
--Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Symphony no 1 by William Alwyn
Conductor:  David Lloyd-Jones
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1949; England 
 Venue:  Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, England 
Length: 38 Minutes 29 Secs. 
Notes: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, England (08/02/2004 - 08/04/2004) 
2. Symphony no 3 by William Alwyn
Conductor:  David Lloyd-Jones
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1955-1956; England 
 Venue:  Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, England 
Length: 30 Minutes 21 Secs. 
Notes: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, England (08/02/2004 - 08/04/2004) 

Sound Samples

Symphony No. 1: I. Adagio - Allegro ritmico - Andante espressivo - Adagio
Symphony No. 1: II. Allegro leggiero
Symphony No. 1: III. Adagio (ma con moto)
Symphony No. 1: IV. Allegro jubilante
Symphony No. 3: I. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 3: II. Poco adagio
Symphony No. 3: III. Allegro con fuoco - In tempo meno mosso (Tempo moderato) - In tempo primo

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 1 Customer Review )
 Excellent 20th Century British Symphonies February 28, 2013 By Henry S. (Springfield, VA) See All My Reviews "Clearly sympathetic to their fellow countryman, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra gives a glowing account of 2 very fine symphonies by the 20th century English composer William Alwyn. Alwyn's music becomes steadily more challenging as the symphonies develop, alternating brassy aggressiveness with pastoral, quiet interludes. My initial reactions to hearing this disk were highly positive, and I am sure this distincly British sound world will find favor with anyone seeking to explore new ground in 20th century music. I encourage everyone who likes serious music to give this one a try- you won't be disappointed." Report Abuse
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