The finale of Rawsthorne's Second Symphony is an epilogue that sets a poem by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, chosen for its alliterative verse and expression of country life.
Composition History
The Second Symphony was commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and first performed in Birmingham on September 29, 1959.
Composition History
Rawsthorne's Third Symphony was commissioned by the Cheltenham Festival Committee and premiered on July 8, 1964, by the BBC Northern Orchestra.
Composition History
Rawsthorne's First Symphony was commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society and premiered on November 15, 1950, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Composer Biography
Alan Rawsthorne, the composer, was 45 years old when he completed his First Symphony, a relatively late entry into the symphonic tradition.
Recording & Production
This recording was made with financial assistance from and in association with The Rawsthorne Trust.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rawsthorne's Second Symphony, titled 'A Pastoral Symphony,' expresses the pleasures of country life and the changing seasons, though it also hints at harsher undertones.
