WILLIAM ALWYN (1905-1985)

 

Symphony No.4

Sinfonietta for String Orchestra

 

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/ David Lloyd-Jones

 

The works of the British composer William Alwyn include five symphonies, concertos, operas and more than two hundred film scores. This release completes the Naxos survey of his symphonies. 

 

Alwyn’s Fourth Symphony, considered by many to be his finest, is a work of great dynamism and excitement, with a number of thrilling brass-led fanfares. In contrast, the Sinfonietta is altogether more minimal and introvert, centred on a haunting phrase from the opera Lulu by Alban Berg, whom Alwyn greatly admired.

 

 “Among the many recordings marking Alwyn’s centenary these dynamic and tender performances stand out, making the best possible case for these neglected works.” Classic FM Magazine on 8557647

 

 “You can’t miss the quality of the musical thought in David Lloyd-Jones’s new recording” BBC Music Magazine on 8557647

 

Naxos 8557649