Robert Simpson(1921-1997)

[Maestro267]

Strictly speaking, Hyperion's new overlords have given the nod.

[calyptorhynchus]

Strictly speaking, Hyperion's new overlords have given the nod.

Who are their new overlords?

[Mapman]

Who are their new overlords?

Universal. Discussion on the forum started here: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,1090.msg1498188.html#msg1498188

[calyptorhynchus]

News from the Robert Simpson Society: the first of two disks of unrecorded works from Toccata will be appearing in April or May next year. It will contain the Clarinet Trio, the String Quartet '0' from the 1940s (which Simpson submitted as part of the requirements for a BMus), and the original version of the 2 Clarinet Quintet (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and 3 Double Basses (sic)). This disk was to have appeared this year but the recording of the last work had to be postponed twice (the recording of this work is actually happening today!).

Recordings for the second disk will start once the first disk is issued. The works on this disk will be the Brass Quintet, the Sonata for Two Pianos and Simpson's arrangement of Nielsen's Commotio for two pianos.

[Maestro267]

We now have more of the Hyperion cycle of String Quartets on streaming services, including the epic Ninth Quartet. All quartets except 14 & 15, along with their respective couplings (String Trio, two String Quintets) are up now.

[foxandpeng]

We now have more of the Hyperion cycle of String Quartets on streaming services, including the epic Ninth Quartet. All quartets except 14 & 15, along with their respective couplings (String Trio, two String Quintets) are up now.

Simpson's SQs are every bit as worthwhile as his symphonies, IMO. I was kindly gifted them earlier in the year by one of our finest members, and I recommend them to the curious now they can be streamed!

[Maestro267]

And now most of the symphonies are available, all except No. 11.

[DavidW]

And now most of the symphonies are available, all except No. 11.

Fantastic, finally!  I have them all at home but at work I rely on streaming.

[krummholz]

And now most of the symphonies are available, all except No. 11.

#11 on Hyperion (I think) is out of print already?? What a shame!

[springrite]

#11 on Hyperion (I think) is out of print already?? What a shame!

I have just the 10th missing from my set, but the 9th was borrowed by someone I forgot... and never returned. Now I see even the ones I already have are going out of print... What a shame...

The best thing on the 11th is the Nielsen Variations.

[lunar22]

Simpson's SQs are every bit as worthwhile as his symphonies, IMO

more so in my book. The best of the chamber music is more human and less "cosmic", for want of a better word, somehow. I have a particular soft spot for the quintet for clarinet, bass clarinet and string trio which directly inspired my own work for that combination.

[DavidW]

#11 on Hyperion (I think) is out of print already?? What a shame!

He means to stream (as in not here yet, not it was pulled or never coming).  You can still buy the cd.

[Maestro267]

Yeah, a lot like the quartet cycle, the only disc missing from streaming is the "last" volume in each instance. Maybe others too but of the quartets and symphony cycles that is the case.

[krummholz]

He means to stream (as in not here yet, not it was pulled or never coming).  You can still buy the cd.

Glad to hear it's still available on CD.

[calyptorhynchus]

News from the Robert Simpson Society.

1. The unrecorded works disk from Toccata (Clarinet Trio, early String Quartet, original Two Clarinet Trio) has been delayed. This is because a decision has been made to included two further works, early settings of poems by Goethe and Housman [sic] from the 1940s, and these are being recorded.
2. Lionel Pike has written a book on the RS symphonies (A Passion for Symphonies: Robert Simpson (1921-1997)) and it is available from 21 June. You can preorder a hard copy now, or wait till 21 June to order an e-book.

https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/a-passion-for-symphonies-robert-simpson-1921-1997

[foxandpeng]

News from the Robert Simpson Society.

1. The unrecorded works disk from Toccata (Clarinet Trio, early String Quartet, original Two Clarinet Trio) has been delayed. This is because a decision has been made to included two further works, early settings of poems by Goethe and Housman [sic] from the 1940s, and these are being recorded.
2. Lionel Pike has written a book on the RS symphonies (A Passion for Symphonies: Robert Simpson (1921-1997)) and it is available from 21 June. You can preorder a hard copy now, or wait till 21 June to order an e-book.

https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/a-passion-for-symphonies-robert-simpson-1921-1997

Thanks for this!

[calyptorhynchus]

Just a warning, I've tried to preorder the book but the publisher's webpage has a bug in it that's stopping me. I have reported the bug. Perhaps other people will have more luck. Anyway, don't forget, and keep on trying to order A Passion for Symphonies: Robert Simpson (1921-1997).

[calyptorhynchus]

Just a warning, I've tried to preorder the book but the publisher's webpage has a bug in it that's stopping me. I have reported the bug. Perhaps other people will have more luck. Anyway, don't forget, and keep on trying to order A Passion for Symphonies: Robert Simpson (1921-1997).

I just don't understand why SNAFUs like this keep on happening. I have tried several more times to preorder the book after reporting the faulty webpage via email.

Finally I phoned the publishers internationally and they said that if anyone was having difficulties to email them at orders@austinmacauley.com, and they can send an invoice.

[calyptorhynchus]

Earlier in this thread Kyjo noted that Simpson revised the slow movement of the Fourth Symphony and I contradicted him.

However, I was wrong. I was relying on one piece of information which stated that he simply changed the tempo indication of the movement from Adagio to Andante. However I have recently come across other information that states he rewrote the initial cello melody, and changed the main climax to the movement to make it quieter.

Sorry about that.

[calyptorhynchus]

I have taken delivery of Lionel Pike's A Passion for Symphonies: Robert Simpson (1921-97). It's very good, and joins other such quality works on my bookshelf (see new profile picture, fourth book down).