William ALWYN (1905-1985)

 

Symphony No. 2

Symphony No. 5

Lyra Angelica (Harp Concerto)

 

Suzanne Willison (harp), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones

 

Following Peter Donohoe’s superb account of Alwyn’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 released last month, the Alwyn centenary celebration continues with this outstanding performance of his Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5, brought to us by Naxos’ doyen of British repertoire David Lloyd-Jones.

 

Like his contemporary Samuel Barber, Alwyn was an unashamed Romantic who preferred his music to appeal to the heart rather than to the head. This first disc in a new series of Alwyn’s complete symphonies includes his Symphony No. 2, an innovative yet accessible work which alternates passages of quiet ecstasy and tumultuous energy. Symphony No. 5 has an epic sweep which belies its short duration of a quarter of an hour.

 

Also included on this disc is Alwyn’s pastoral harp concerto Lyra Angelica, which interweaves the harp and strings into ‘a continuous web of luminous sound’.

 

Naxos 8557647