Sir Arthur Bliss

[Daverz]

Indeed, it's always interesting to see how our tastes/perceptions change with regards to certain composers/works. I recall the first time I heard A Colour Symphony I was also rather unengaged by it, but that could've had to do with the recording I listened to (I think it was the Lloyd-Jones on Naxos).

My first hearing of the Colour Symphony was the Lloyd-Jones recording, and I connected immediately.  I still think it's one of the best recordings of it.  It actually took me a few listens to get into to the Groves.

And I do love the Cello Concerto.  Good to see there's a new recording of it, because it deserves to get recorded more.

[vandermolen]

My first hearing of the Colour Symphony was the Lloyd-Jones recording, and I connected immediately.  I still think it's one of the best recordings of it.  It actually took me a few listens to get into to the Groves.

And I do love the Cello Concerto.  Good to see there's a new recording of it, because it deserves to get recorded more.

Lloyd Jones's recording was recommended in the Guide to the Top 1000 Classical CDs

[Irons]

Thanks for sharing your impressions, Irons, and I apologize if my reply to your previous post came off as rather "snooty". I look forward to revisiting the Cello Concerto soon with fresh ears!

No need for apology as nothing in your post caused slightest offence. In fact you made a valid point.

[Roasted Swan]

This chat about the cello concerto has made me revisit the 4 versions that I think have been recorded;



All four are genuinely fine and all are differently and interestingly coupled.  If/when this new Onyx version is released "complete" ie with some other couplings - it will do well to 'better' any of these I reckon......

[Symphonic Addict]

To be released on 17 October:



I know there's a recording of Metamorphic Variations on Naxos, so this must be the second one.

[Roasted Swan]

To be released on 17 October:



I know there's a recording of Metamorphic Variations on Naxos, so this must be the second one.

Exciting that there's a new Miracle in the Gorbals -but there are 2 other Metamorphic Variations already apart from Naxos;

[Symphonic Addict]

Exciting that there's a new Miracle in the Gorbals -but there are 2 other Metamorphic Variations already apart from Naxos;

Ah, thank you. It's more well served than I thought.

[Roasted Swan]

Ah, thank you. It's more well served than I thought.

I find the cover of the new disc slightly confusing.  The text layout suggests it is the Variations that are "complete" - but a partial set would be odd so it must surely mean the ballet which would be only the 2nd complete recording.

[vandermolen]

To be released on 17 October:



I know there's a recording of Metamorphic Variations on Naxos, so this must be the second one.

Very exciting! On my list.

[vandermolen]

I find the cover of the new disc slightly confusing.  The text layout suggests it is the Variations that are "complete" - but a partial set would be odd so it must surely mean the ballet which would be only the 2nd complete recording.

Yes, I was thinking that as well.

PS This explains the situation!
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9798886--bliss-miracle-in-the-gorbals-etc

Originally titled Variations for Orchestra, Bliss composed the Metamorphic Variations towards the end of his life, during a late surge of creativity. Two of the sixteen movements were dropped before the first performance (given by the LSO and Vernon Handley in 1973) and for some reason were not re-instated at any of the later performances of the work until that given by Michael Seal and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in February 2025, the day before they made this recording. (From the Presto website).

[Roy Bland]

Maybe Bliss conductor Maybe Campoli soloist but i love it immensely

[Roasted Swan]

Yes, I was thinking that as well.

PS This explains the situation!
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9798886--bliss-miracle-in-the-gorbals-etc

Originally titled Variations for Orchestra, Bliss composed the Metamorphic Variations towards the end of his life, during a late surge of creativity. Two of the sixteen movements were dropped before the first performance (given by the LSO and Vernon Handley in 1973) and for some reason were not re-instated at any of the later performances of the work until that given by Michael Seal and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in February 2025, the day before they made this recording. (From the Presto website).

Oooh that is interesting! (not sure the work is at the same level as the John Blow Meditations - but I'm happy to be convinced otherwise!)

[Irons]

Maybe Bliss conductor Maybe Campoli soloist but i love it immensely

Bliss Violin Concerto shamelessly neglected. I am not aware of any other recordings other then Campoli. Maybe because he is so good. 

[Roasted Swan]

Bliss Violin Concerto shamelessly neglected. I am not aware of any other recordings other then Campoli. Maybe because he is so good. 

Campoli is superb but......