Malcolm Arnold took up the trumpet at age twelve, inspired by Louis Armstrong, and later joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as second trumpet.
Cultural Impact
Thirty years after its premiere, Malcolm Arnold's pioneering work in the Fourth Symphony is seen as contributing to the 'crumbling' of the 'Berlin Wall' between 'serious' and entertainment music.
Composer Biography
Malcolm Arnold, the composer and conductor of this album, resisted public school and was tutored at home by one of his aunts.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Malcolm Arnold's years in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, where he experienced major orchestral works firsthand, were vital in shaping his character as a composer.
Historical Context
Malcolm Arnold composed his Fourth Symphony in the aftermath of the Notting Hill race riots, incorporating West Indian instruments and rhythms.
Critical Reception
The critical reception for the Fourth Symphony's premiere, conducted by Arnold himself, was mixed, with one critic calling it a 'symphony for fun' and another taking it more seriously.
Composition History
The Fourth Symphony was commissioned by the BBC and its first public performance was broadcast, influencing Arnold to consider a wider audience.
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