from incidental music to the play Deburau, Op. 72 by Sacha Guitry (1885-1957)
Not too hurried - Tempo slightly more commodious - Steady - First Tempo
Total time: 81:18
Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Conductor:Rumon Gamba
2-4 December 2015
Notes
Rumon Gamba and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales present the second volume in their exploration of rarely heard overtures from the British Isles. Introducing these neglected works, the conductor explains: ‘All the overtures on this album belong to the period between 1890 and 1945. In this present selection, however, we see perhaps even more clearly the evolution of musical style, and in particular the use of harmony, in the armoury of the British composer.’ He adds: ‘Rather by accident it seems that we have a nautical theme running through the disc (‘Rule, Britannia!’ makes an appearance in two of the overtures!), perhaps the most familiar work being Walton’s Portsmouth Point. I was surprised to find out that there are relatively few recordings of this little masterpiece. Likewise I was amazed to learn that the BBC National Orchestra of Wales had not played the piece for many years. So it made a perfect maritime choice alongside Britannia, The Boatswain’s Mate, Plymouth Hoe, and Tom Bowlin.’
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Reviews
“…An excellent selection for all lovers of light music with just a touch of seriousness in some cases. The Bowen is a most welcome premiere recording and all ten overtures are excellent in every respect, both playing and recording. A highly recommended, cracking good, CD !”
Edmund Whitehouse – LondonLightMusic.org.uk – April 2016
Critics Choice 2016
Don O’Connor - American Record Guide - January/February 2017
“... An impressive release then, orchestra and conductor in top and collaborative form, captured in glowing, detailed and dynamic sound, and complemented by booklet notes from Lewis Foreman ... and Rumon Gamba, who clearly enjoyed unearthing the pieces here. Chandos’s unstinting presentation includes photographs of several of the composers; Dame Ethel’s hat is worth a gander!” *****
Colin Anderson – ClassicalSource.com – June 2016
"...listeners will thoroughly enjoy the musical adventures on this second volume of ‘Overtures from the British Isles’ which are beautifully played by Ramon Gamba and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. It is a worthy successor to Volume 1 which included music by Cowen, Bantock, Stanford and others."
John France - MusicWeb-International.com - 13 June 2016
“...This is thoroughly recommendable for any lover of British music.”
Michael Wilkinson – MusicWeb-International.com – 3 June 2016
"... Played with zeal, it's a hugely likeable collection." ****
Jeremy Pound - BBC Music magazine (Brief Notes Section) - August 2016
“This most welcome second volume of British overtures serves to accentuate the sheer diversity of works this country produced in the genre between 1890’s and the 1940s ...”
Jeremy Dibble - Gramophone magazine - June 2016
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