Charles Villiers Stanford, the Anglo-Irish composer, conductor, and music teacher of the late Romantic era, presents a compelling collection of his works in "Stanford, C.V.: Symphonies, Vol. 4." This album, released on November 18, 2008, under the Naxos label, is the final installment in a series dedicated to Stanford's symphonies and features his substantial First Symphony in B-Flat Major and the enchanting Clarinet Concerto in A Minor, Op. 80.
The First Symphony, a cornerstone of this album, showcases Stanford's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create expansive, evocative musical landscapes. The symphony's four movements, from the spacious and dynamic "Larghetto - Allegro vivace" to the lively "Finale. Allegro molto," offer a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. Complementing the symphony is the Clarinet Concerto in A Minor, Op. 80, a work that highlights the expressive range of the clarinet. Performed by the talented Robert Plane with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Lloyd-Jones, the concerto's three movements, including the serene "Adante con moto, ma più tranquillo," demonstrate Stanford's skill in crafting melodic and harmonically rich compositions.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album provides a comprehensive exploration of Stanford's symphonic and concerto works. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Stanford's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this collection offers a captivating journey through the works of one of the most influential figures in late Romantic music.
Vinylscout