This recording received financial assistance from The William Alwyn Foundation, an organization dedicated to the composer's legacy.
Composer's Artistic Vision
William Alwyn's Autumn Legend is a personal tribute to the memory of Pre-Raphaelite painter and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti, whose paintings hung in Alwyn's studio.
Composer Biography
William Alwyn, the composer, wrote around 200 film scores, including for classic British films like Odd Man Out and The Fallen Idol, which helped him perfect his orchestral technique.
Historical Context
William Alwyn's Overture to a Masque had its intended premiere cancelled in 1940 due to heavy bombing in London during World War II, leading to its rediscovery 50 years later.
Composition History
William Alwyn sketched initial ideas for his Concerto Grosso No. 1 while on air-raid warden duty during the London Blitz in 1943.
Performer Biography
David Lloyd-Jones, the conductor, founded Opera North in 1978 and led the company for twelve seasons, conducting fifty different new productions.
Recording & Production
This album features the world première recording of William Alwyn's Five Preludes for orchestra.
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