Sea Interludes (4) from Peter Grimes, for orchestra, Op. 33a
Passacaglia, for orchestra, Op. 33b (from "Peter Grimes")
The Sea, suite for orchestra, H. 100
On the Sea-Shore, tone poem for orchestra (completed & orchestrated by Parlett)
Irish Rhapsody for orchestra No 4 in A Minor, Op. 141 ("Fisherman of Loch Neagh")
The Ulster Orchestra of Ireland is one of many European symphonies that has not been given its fair amount of exposure in the United States. This CD, with conductor Vernon Handley at the helm, is a compilation of previously recorded material on a "themed" disc of British composers writing about the sea. Assigning an album such a narrow topic runs the risk of being hokey; however, in this case the result is magnificent. All of the compositions, from the well-known Britten and Bridge to the lesser-known Bax and Stanford, ...
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The Ulster Orchestra of Ireland is one of many European symphonies that has not been given its fair amount of exposure in the United States. This CD, with conductor Vernon Handley at the helm, is a compilation of previously recorded material on a "themed" disc of British composers writing about the sea. Assigning an album such a narrow topic runs the risk of being hokey; however, in this case the result is magnificent. All of the compositions, from the well-known Britten and Bridge to the lesser-known Bax and Stanford, offer compellingly engaging musical pictures of the sea. Convincing compositions require convincing performances if a true picture is to be presented to the listeners. The Ulster Orchestra does this masterfully. From the power and surging aggression of Britten's "Storm" movement to the mystery and elegance of Bridge's "Moonlight," the orchestra goes beyond persuasive straight into riveting. Chandos' recorded sound is pure and free from excessive manipulation, only enhancing the true...
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