Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921–2006) earned his living as the London Philharmonic Orchestra's principal trumpeter while still virtually unknown as a composer.
Recording & Production
This Chandos recording uses 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which offers a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Arnold's music often blends extroverted good humor with darker psychological undercurrents, which are now attributed to his longstanding mental-health problems.
Compositional Technique
In The Padstow Lifeboat, Arnold deliberately included a dissonant foghorn sound, fixed on a D, which clashes humorously with the march's home key of A flat major.
Compositional Technique
The Commonwealth Christmas Overture features a Latin percussion group, two electric guitars, and an electric bass, creating an exotic carnival atmosphere rare in concert music at the time.
Composition History
The Padstow Lifeboat was written to mark the inauguration of a new lifeboat in 1968, inspired by Arnold's passion for brass-band music and friendships with local Cornish fishermen.
Performer Biography
Michael Collins, the clarinet soloist, is the Artistic Director in Residence of the London Mozart Players and was awarded an MBE in 2015 for his services to music.
You might also enjoy...
Vaughan Williams: In the Fen Country / the Lark Ascending / Fantasia On A Theme by Thomas Tallis
Elgar: Serenade For Strings/Suite From "A Spanish Lady", etc.
Elgar: Nursery Suite, Serenade, Dream Children & Other Works
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis/The Lark Ascending etc.
Frank Bridge Orchestral Works
Addinsell: Goodbye Mr. Chips / A Tale of Two Cities
Coates: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2
The Film Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Vols. 1, 2 & 3
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia On "Greensleeves"; The Lark Ascending / Delius: Two Pieces; Two Aquarelles; Intermezzo / Walton: Two Pieces
English Landscapes
Vaughan Williams: Serenade to Music - The Lark Ascending
