I remember the first dance as the theme for a British TV series "Portrait of a Village" around 1980. It took such a long while to find it. Wonderful music, love all of Malcolm Arnold's dances.
Many years ago I got his autograph signature after he'd conducted a complete programme of his own music. The concert started with his Overture Tam O' Shanter then continued with his Concerto for 3 hands and piano - one of the soloists was fellow composer Richard Rodney Bennett! - and finished with his symphony No. 5. I remember that after the concert the orchestra's principal trumpet commenting wryly "some of that was quite difficult". What he mean't was it had been a kick in the teeth workout.
Arnold was sidelined by the British music establishment in the 60s because his music was considered too accessible and attractive and that policy still exists today. When was the last time these dances were played at the BBC Proms?
The most underrated English composer he used classical and jazz influences
I remember the first dance as the theme for a British TV series "Portrait of a Village" around 1980. It took such a long while to find it. Wonderful music, love all of Malcolm Arnold's dances.
Many years ago I got his autograph signature after he'd conducted a complete programme of his own music. The concert started with his Overture Tam O' Shanter then continued with his Concerto for 3 hands and piano - one of the soloists was fellow composer Richard Rodney Bennett! - and finished with his symphony No. 5. I remember that after the concert the orchestra's principal trumpet commenting wryly "some of that was quite difficult". What he mean't was it had been a kick in the teeth workout.
I love Boult's performance of these dances - just wish they were in stereo.
will forever be in love with the third movement
So fun! Thanks for posting! ^_^
Bellisimo! Fantastic.x
Wow. Just wow.
...and another WOW!!!
Gosh was there ever another composer anywhere in any era who loved to use the piccolo as much as Arnold?
Maybe Shostakovich sometimes?
at 5:50 I think John Williams took inspiration for Star Wars
Yeah
he is quite clearly a fan of music from the era, it really shows in warhorse (although that is deliberate)
Grand sweeping orchestral mounts to quiet passages - I agree there are echoes here. Just love the music of MA.
Arnold was sidelined by the British music establishment in the 60s because his music was considered too accessible and attractive and that policy still exists today. When was the last time these dances were played at the BBC Proms?
2013
And sadly I don't see the attitude changing. He - and Gerald Finzi - are the two most underrated British composers