SIR CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD (1852–1924)

Symphonies 3

 

Symphony No. 6 in E flat major, ‘In honour of the life-work of a great artist: George Frederick Watts’, Op. 94

Symphony No. 3 in F minor ‘Irish’, Op. 28

 

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (Leader: Duncan Riddell) / David Lloyd-Jones

 

Completed in 1887, Stanford’s ‘Irish’ Symphony enjoyed immediate and widespread success, continuing to be played well into the twentieth century. The ‘Irish’ subtitle indicates its frequent deployment of folk-tunes as melodic material, although the work never strays far from the Austro-German symphonic tradition.

 

The 1905 Sixth Symphony, by contrast, received only two hearings before succumbing to an eighty-year oblivion. The subtitle, ‘In honour of the life-work of a great artist: George Frederick Watts’, is important: Watts (1817-1904) was among the most lauded British artists of his era and Stanford’s work, if not overtly programmatic, was influenced by instances of Watt’s legacy – for example the equestrian statue in Kensington Gardens, London.

 

“David Lloyd-Jones proves an undisruptive, clear-headed guide, while the playing of the Bournemouth SO has an extra finish, buoyancy and lustre that tip the scales in his favour.” Gramophone on Naxos 8570289

 

“These are remarkably confident and assured performances, paced by David Lloyd-Jones’ firm, experienced hand.” BBC Music Magazine on Naxos 8557480

 

Naxos 8570355