If modern English symphonies, like those by Tippett, Arnold, and Rubbra, are already on heavy rotation in your iPod, then you might consider the two symphonies on this two-disc set by Arthur Butterworth: his First from 1957 conducted by John Barbirolli and his Fourth from 1986 led by the composer. Like his Viola Concerto from 1992 (also included here), Butterworth's symphonies are written in a decidedly conservative harmonic idiom and a thoroughly romantic style, with big-hearted melodies and ardent perorations. Butterworth ...
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If modern English symphonies, like those by Tippett, Arnold, and Rubbra, are already on heavy rotation in your iPod, then you might consider the two symphonies on this two-disc set by Arthur Butterworth: his First from 1957 conducted by John Barbirolli and his Fourth from 1986 led by the composer. Like his Viola Concerto from 1992 (also included here), Butterworth's symphonies are written in a decidedly conservative harmonic idiom and a thoroughly romantic style, with big-hearted melodies and ardent perorations. Butterworth's expressive goals are often just beyond the reach of his inventive abilities, falling back on all-too-familiar moods and gestures, but there remains always a sincerity to his music. In a 1958 performance, John Barbirolli with the Hallé Orchestra proves an excellent advocate of the First Symphony, while Butterworth himself leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in determined performances of the Fourth Symphony and the Viola Concerto, the latter with the passionate Sarah-Jane...
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Add this copy of Butterworth, a-Symphony No. 4; Viola Concerto to cart. $41.19, new condition, Sold by Revaluation Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2009 by Dutton.
