German: Symphony No. 2 in A Minor "Norwich"

Featuring

Andrew Penny
National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
Edward German

Did you know?

1/7

Composer's Artistic Vision

Edward German disliked being called a composer of light music, preferring to be considered a composer of 'light good music' rather than 'good light music'.

Cultural Impact

Edward German's operetta Merrie England has been performed so often by amateur groups that it likely holds the record for the most performances of any 20th-century British opera or operetta.

Critical Reception

Despite his achievements, Edward German died a 'disappointed man' because his serious orchestral works were not recognized, as noted in a poignant message found among his papers.

Composer Biography

Edward German, born German Edward Jones, adopted his professional name to avoid confusion with another Edward Jones while studying at the Royal Academy of Music.

Composition History

The Welsh Rhapsody was inspired by Edward German musing over a pipe of tobacco after breakfast, leading him to consider a work of 'purely Welsh character'.

Performer Biography

Andrew Penny, the conductor on this album, has made over 50 recordings for Naxos and Marco Polo since 1992, focusing largely on British music.

Compositional Technique

The Welsh Rhapsody incorporates traditional Welsh tunes, but Edward German's distinctive treatment of these melodies makes the work stylistically his own.