Alwyn, W.: Concerto for Oboe, Harp and Strings / Elizabethan Dances / The Innumerable Dance

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of William Alwyn's orchestral works with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2006. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Alwyn's mastery of composition, blending elegance, wit, and a deep understanding of orchestral colors.

The album opens with the delightful "Elizabethan Dances," a suite of six movements that evoke the spirit of the Elizabethan era with their rhythmic vitality and melodic charm. Each dance offers a unique character, from the moderate and rhythmic first movement to the playful and joyous finale.

A highlight of the album is the "Concerto for Oboe and Harp," a work of exquisite beauty and delicate interplay between the solo instruments and the strings. The first movement, "Andante e rubato," unfolds with a sense of lyricism and freedom, while the "Vivace" second movement sparkles with energy and wit.

The album also includes the world premiere recordings of "The Innumerable Dance" and "Aphrodite in Aulis," both of which demonstrate Alwyn's skill in creating evocative and atmospheric music. "The Innumerable Dance," despite its title, is not an overture but a short tone poem that begins quietly and builds to a powerful climax. "Aphrodite in Aulis," inspired by George Moore's poem, is a hauntingly beautiful eclogue for small orchestra.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by David Lloyd-Jones, brings these works to life with sensitivity and precision. Whether you're a longtime fan of Alwyn's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

William Alwyn was a versatile and prolific English composer, conductor, and music teacher, leaving an indelible mark on the 20th-century music scene. Born William Alwyn Smith in 1905, his career spanned a wide array of genres, including opera, ballet, orchestral, chamber, and instrumental music. Alwyn's compositions are renowned for their evocative and often innovative qualities, blending elements of Tudor and modern times in works like his Elizabethan Dances. A leading figure in British film music during the 1940s and '50s, he composed over 200 cinematic scores, showcasing his versatility and mastery of musical storytelling. His orchestral contributions include five symphonies and several concertos, further cementing his status as one of Britain's most influential composers. Alwyn's legacy endures, captivating audiences with his rich and diverse musical output.