No..not George Butterworth, the English composer killed in World War One..but Arthur :)
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2008/Sept08/King_Arthur.htm
Another of these neglected British composers? Yes!
Anything of his on disc? Yes-the Symphony No.1 on the Classico label CLASSCD 274 coupled with the Symphony No.2 by Ruth Gipps(Munich Symphony Orchestra/Douglas Bostock). What does it sound like? Short answer-Sibelius.
Review-http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/jun99/butterworth.htm
If you like Sibelius, Vaughan Williams, E.J. Moeran, Douglas Lilburn...and there are a few here who do ;D this symphony is tailor-made for your tastes :) I can't add to the review linked above; if what is said there doesn't whet your appetite....!
And the good news is that Butterworth-who is well-known in music circles in the North of England-will be getting attention from Dutton shortly with the imminent release of his Symphony No.4 and Viola Concerto(Royal Scottish National Orchestra/the composer).
Of only local interest? Well, Butterworth's Symphony No.6 will probably be premiered next year by the St.Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra no less.
Quote from: Dundonnell on December 18, 2008, 05:06:42 PM
No..not George Butterworth, the English composer killed in World War One..but Arthur :)
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2008/Sept08/King_Arthur.htm
Another of these neglected British composers? Yes!
Anything of his on disc? Yes-the Symphony No.1 on the Classico label CLASSCD 274 coupled with the Symphony No.2 by Ruth Gipps(Munich Symphony Orchestra/Douglas Bostock). What does it sound like? Short answer-Sibelius.
Review-http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/jun99/butterworth.htm
If you like Sibelius, Vaughan Williams, E.J. Moeran, Douglas Lilburn...and there are a few here who do ;D this symphony is tailor-made for your tastes :) I can't add to the review linked above; if what is said there doesn't whet your appetite....!
And the good news is that Butterworth-who is well-known in music circles in the North of England-will be getting attention from Dutton shortly with the imminent release of his Symphony No.4 and Viola Concerto(Royal Scottish National Orchestra/the composer).
Of only local interest? Well, Butterworth's Symphony No.6 will probably be premiered next year by the St.Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra no less.
I have the Classico CD and have to say that I find the Ruth Gipps to be the more interesting and enjoyable work, but I will listen to the Butterworth again.
Arthur Butterworth's Symphony No.4 and Viola Concerto are due for release shortly by Dutton in a coupling with a 1958 recording of the Symphony No.1 played by the Halle under Barbirolli.
Barbirolli's performance just might do more to convince vandermolen of Butterworth's merits ;D
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLX7212
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 03, 2009, 04:29:34 PM
Arthur Butterworth's Symphony No.4 and Viola Concerto are due for release shortly by Dutton in a coupling with a 1958 recording of the Symphony No.1 played by the Halle under Barbirolli.
Barbirolli's performance just might do more to convince vandermolen of Butterworth's merits ;D
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLX7212
Yes, I thought of you when I saw this advertised and am tempted to investigate it along with the David Matthews symphonies, also on Dutton.
I have listened again to Arthur Butterworth's Symphony No 1(Classico recording) and certainly enjoyed it more than before - it is undoubtedly atmospheric and very effectively scored, but for me the stumbling block is the paucity of any memorable thematic material. This is made more obvious because it is coupled (on Classico) with the very tuneful Second Symphony by Ruth Gipps. Yesterday I went for a walk in the countryside and was able to recall, with much pleasure, melodic material from the Gipps Symphony but nothing from the Butterworth. Of course this does not mean that the Gipps is the greater work (the Penguin Record Guide, for example, is full of praise for the Butterworth - whereas the Gipps is described as enjoyable but derivative of Vaughan Williams), but I certainly find it (Gipps) more enjoyable - it is much shorter than the Butterworth (about half the length) but I think that this is a case where 'less is more'. I am not giving up on Butterworth and I'd be very interested to hear what Colin (or anyone else) makes of the new Dutton CD with Barbirolli's recording of Symphony No 1 and Symphony No 4.
Quote from: vandermolen on February 09, 2009, 02:35:46 AM
I have listened again to Arthur Butterworth's Symphony No 1(Classico recording) and certainly enjoyed it more than before - it is undoubtedly atmospheric and very effectively scored, but for me the stumbling block is the paucity of any memorable thematic material. This is made more obvious because it is coupled (on Classico) with the very tuneful Second Symphony by Ruth Gipps. Yesterday I went for a walk in the countryside and was able to recall, with much pleasure, melodic material from the Gipps Symphony but nothing from the Butterworth. Of course this does not mean that the Gipps is the greater work (the Penguin Record Guide, for example, is full of praise for the Butterworth - whereas the Gipps is described as enjoyable but derivative of Vaughan Williams), but I certainly find it (Gipps) more enjoyable - it is much shorter than the Butterworth (about half the length) but I think that this is a case where 'less is more'. I am not giving up on Butterworth and I'd be very interested to hear what Colin (or anyone else) makes of the new Dutton CD with Barbirolli's recording of Symphony No 1 and Symphony No 4.
Butterworth praised Bax consistently; somewhere I read that Butterworth claimed that his work is significantly Baxian. I found very little of Bax's influence. The 1st Symphony was OK, but I didn't think it was great, (unique?) enough to listen to several times. I may try again.
Try the new Barbirolli recording :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 20, 2009, 03:43:05 PM
Try the new Barbirolli recording :)
Have you heard the Viola Concerto?
A fellow CD nutter friend liked Symphony No 4 ('sibelian, powerful and moving') and the talk by Butterworth on the new CD.
I am still waiting for Presto to send me my order of the Butterworth Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4/Viola Concerto, the David Matthews Symphonies Nos. 1, 3 and 5 and the Arnell Violin Concerto :(
MDT don't appear to sell Dutton CDs :o
A colleague has lent me the new Dutton CD. Symphony No 4 is indeed very good. The funny thing is that Butterworth writes that his symphonic works do not show the influence of Vaughan Williams, Moeran and Bax - actually I was constantly reminded of Moeran in this work. Also Shostakovich and Sibelius (part of the second movement is more or less directly taken from Sibelius's music for Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'). I still think that the thematic material is still a little deficient is tunes , but, make no mistake, this is a fine, craggy and ultimately memorable symphony. I listened to the opening of symphony No 1 and Barbirolli's is certainly a more urgent performance to that of Douglas Bostock on Classico. The interview with Butterworth is interesting (he sounds like Alan Bennett) but something, I guess, that you would only want to hear once (he has a rather annoying sing-songy voice).
Very pleased to hear that you are impressed by the Butterworth 4th, Jeffrey :) And also to hear that-as I suspected-the Barbirolli 1st is more urgent than the Bostock. What about the Viola Concerto?
Your review is making more impatient with the fact that my copy of this cd has still not arrived >:(
Where did your colleague buy the cd, Jeffrey?
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 28, 2009, 01:02:54 PM
Very pleased to hear that you are impressed by the Butterworth 4th, Jeffrey :) And also to hear that-as I suspected-the Barbirolli 1st is more urgent than the Bostock. What about the Viola Concerto?
Your review is making more impatient with the fact that my copy of this cd has still not arrived >:(
Where did your colleague buy the cd, Jeffrey?
Colin,
I think probably at Fine Records in Hove. I have been waiting a long time for the David Matthews (ordered directly from Dutton), so maybe there is some kind of distribution problem. The Viola Concerto has a nice slow movement and may grow on me if I buy the CD (which I almost certainly will). It is not, however, in the same class as the Stanley Bate VC, which is a magnificent score. Symphony No 4 is the best thing on it - notwithstanding its direct quotations from Sibelius.The audience for Barbirolli's 1957 Cheltenham performance of Symphony No 1 is wildly enthusiastic at the end. Whilst your waiting for the Butterworth I suggest you track down the Simonsen CD. It arrived today and I have listened to it c 5 times already (Katy is away) ;D
I shall order the Simonsen from CPO direct. German efficiency always ensures that their cds arrive on time ;D
Presto is still not showing the Dutton cds in stock(I have ordered the Butterworth, the Arnell Violin Concerto and the David Matthews symphonies) ???
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 28, 2009, 02:18:53 PM
I shall order the Simonsen from CPO direct. German efficiency always ensures that their cds arrive on time ;D
Presto is still not showing the Dutton cds in stock(I have ordered the Butterworth, the Arnell Violin Concerto and the David Matthews symphonies) ???
I'll phone Dutton on Monday and let you know what they say. I was very surprised how quickly the CPO CD arrived from Germany.
Quote from: vandermolen on February 28, 2009, 03:56:19 AM
A colleague has lent me the new Dutton CD. Symphony No 4 is indeed very good. The funny thing is that Butterworth writes that his symphonic works do not show the influence of Vaughan Williams, Moeran and Bax - actually I was constantly reminded of Moeran in this work. Also Shostakovich and Sibelius (part of the second movement is more or less directly taken from Sibelius's music for Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'). I still think that the thematic material is still a little deficient is tunes , but, make no mistake, this is a fine, craggy and ultimately memorable symphony. I listened to the opening of symphony No 1 and Barbirolli's is certainly a more urgent performance to that of Douglas Bostock on Classico. The interview with Butterworth is interesting (he sounds like Alan Bennett) but something, I guess, that you would only want to hear once (he has a rather annoying sing-songy voice).
Just acquired the 4th Symphony in rapid time from Amazon.UK. Only three days in fact. I heard the Symphony and the Viola Concerto and was reasonably impressed. The 4th as well as the Concerto are quite Nordic with considerable Sibelian presence. The Baxian influence tends to be somewhat more noticeable here than in the 1st. I have yet to hear the Barbarolli's performance on the second disc. At first hearing I appreciated the modality, the harmonies and the Sibelianism; however, much of what I did surmise was a certain lack of direction. But, then again, this was assumed after one listening. The 4th and the Viola concereto both suggested considerable English as well as Nordic persuasions.
I persevered with a recording of the Fifth symphony. So-so.
Quote from: schweitzeralan on February 28, 2009, 07:09:46 PM
Just acquired the 4th Symphony in rapid time from Amazon.UK. Only three days in fact. I heard the Symphony and the Viola Concerto and was reasonably impressed. The 4th as well as the Concerto are quite Nordic with considerable Sibelian presence. The Baxian influence tends to be somewhat more noticeable here than in the 1st. I have yet to hear the Barbarolli's performance. At first hearing I appreciated the modality, the harmonies and the Sibelianism; however, much of what I did surmise was a certain lack of direction. But, then again, this was assumed after one listening. The 4th and the Viola concereto both suggested considerable English as well as Norerdic persuasions.
I agree totally about the Bax influence in No 4 (and Sibelius and Moeran - less so Vaughan Williams I think). I have played it through three times now, with much enjoyment.
Quote from: vandermolen on February 28, 2009, 10:17:20 PM
I agree totally about the Bax influence in No 4 (and Sibelius and Moeran - less so Vaughan Williams I think). I have played it through three times now, with much enjoyment.
Yes, the VW presence is strong. Again appreciate your replies. Sorry about the typo errors. I tend to correct them well after others have reviewed my comments.
Quote from: Sean on February 28, 2009, 07:24:34 PM
I persevered with a recording of the Fifth symphony. So-so.
The
Fifth??
Quote from: vandermolen on February 28, 2009, 03:19:45 PM
I'll phone Dutton on Monday and let you know what they say. I was very surprised how quickly the CPO CD arrived from Germany.
Please do that, Jeffrey :)
Hearing that the disc can be obtained in only three days from Amazon UK has made me even more annoyed(this seems to be a day for making me angry ;D ;D)
Quote from: Dundonnell on March 01, 2009, 05:57:16 AM
Please do that, Jeffrey :)
Hearing that the disc can be obtained in only three days from Amazon UK has made me even more annoyed(this seems to be a day for making me angry ;D ;D)
I played Symphony No 4 again today and like it more and more. I shall definitely buy the CD (it should arrive in time for the London Olympics ;D). I can't however face more that a minute or two of the interview with composer. I'm sure that it's really interesting but Butterworth has a very annoying voice :-X
DundonnellQuote from: Dundonnell on March 01, 2009, 05:54:56 AM
The Fifth??
Oh dear. I keep a record of the music I explore and the piece I had would have been either a radio recording or something online: my notes say No.5 but I can see he's written only four and must have typed in the wrong number, which I'm only going to sort out if I get to listen to the piece again... This is rather distressing for a listophile.
Quote from: Sean on March 01, 2009, 03:23:17 PM
Dundonnell
Oh dear. I keep a record of the music I explore and the piece I had would have been either a radio recording or something online: my notes say No.5 but I can see he's written only four and must have typed in the wrong number, which I'm only going to sort out if I get to listen to the piece again... This is rather distressing for a listophile.
No, no..you could well have heard Butterworth's 5th Symphony! He has written six in total. I assumed that you were referring to a cd recording. The first performance of No. 5 was given by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in a radio broadcast in 2003. That broadcast may be when you heard the piece.
Colin,
Your mail box is full. I phoned Dutton - there was a fault with the David Matthews CD. The whole original pressing had to be returned to the factory. Dutton have them back in stock today. They said no problem with any of the others - so you should really have received the Arthur Butterworth by now from Presto.
Jeffrey
Thanks for that, Jeffrey! Will email Presto.
The Butterworth and the Arnell cds are now en route to me :)
Apparently Presto do not send out part-orders unless specifically requested to do so! My fault for missing that info'...but it is an odd aspect of their ordering system(MDT don't hold back orders until they are complete).
I have now had time to listen to the Butterworth 4th Symphony and the Viola Concerto.
Ok, ok...I am now prepared to admit that my fulsome enthisiasm for Butterworth's music may have been a bit over the top :) I agree with Jeffrey that the 4th symphony is a good piece but the indebtedness to Sibelius-without any of his orginality-is too obvious and the Viola Concerto is not as appealing as the recent Stanley Bate.
I can't say that I was quite as irked as Jeffrey by the Butterworth talk on the first cd although it was not so interesting that I would want to hear it again and again. I would have thought though that years of study at Lancaster University would have innured Jeffrey to northern accents ;D
I have finally got round to listening right through the talk by Artur Butterworth - and enjoyed it - especially the details of his youthul encounters with Vaughan Williams (who seems to have given Butterworth advice on the basis of his surname - shared with his old friend, killed in the First World War, George Butterworth).
I listen to Butterworth's 4th Symphony a lot at the moment - it is rather derivative of Sibelius, Bax and Moeran but still very enjoyable.
At this rate, Jeffrey, you are going to end up being a bigger fan of Butterworth than I am ;D
Quote from: schweitzeralan on February 28, 2009, 07:09:46 PM
Just acquired the 4th Symphony in rapid time from Amazon.UK. Only three days in fact. I heard the Symphony and the Viola Concerto and was reasonably impressed. The 4th as well as the Concerto are quite Nordic with considerable Sibelian presence. The Baxian influence tends to be somewhat more noticeable here than in the 1st. I have yet to hear the Barbarolli's performance on the second disc. At first hearing I appreciated the modality, the harmonies and the Sibelianism; however, much of what I did surmise was a certain lack of direction. But, then again, this was assumed after one listening. The 4th and the Viola concereto both suggested considerable English as well as Nordic persuasions.
I stand by my erswhile opinion of the Butterworth First Symphony. I much prefer the Fourth and, surprisingly enough, the Violin Concerto. to be sure, these are not masterpieces; however, Im stuck with the Sibelianisms. Some Nielson and occasional Baxian influences. Those influences make me hear the two works more than once, or twice. The Butterworth monologue was interesting.
Quote from: schweitzeralan on March 24, 2009, 01:24:46 PM
I stand by my erswhile opinion of the Butterworth First Symphony. I much prefer the Fourth and, surprisingly enough, the Violin Concerto. to be sure, these are not masterpieces; however, Im stuck with the Sibelianisms. Some Nielson and occasional Baxian influences. Those influences make me hear the two works more than once, or twice. The Butterworth monologue was interesting.
'Viola' Concerto :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on March 24, 2009, 06:08:19 PM
'Viola' Concerto :)
Right. My musical friend also corrected my pronumciation. It's vai-yo-la with a strong vowell, not vee-yo-la as I said it earlier. Anyway I like the work. The price was worth it.
Quote from: Dundonnell on March 15, 2009, 01:56:22 PM
At this rate, Jeffrey, you are going to end up being a bigger fan of Butterworth than I am ;D
Oh yes (see 'six favourite symphonies by lesser-known composers' thread) ;D
Quote from: vandermolen on March 25, 2009, 12:04:30 AM
Oh yes (see 'six favourite symphonies by lesser-known composers' thread) ;D
Indeed! Delighted that you are a convert ;D
I have been listening again to Butterworth's newly released Symphony No 4. Strongly recommended - especially if you like Sibelius and Bax.
Butterworth's music is known and acknowledged by British cognoscenti, not to mention several enthusiasts who contribute to the various threads in this forum, primarily the one earmarked for British composers. As a general rule, however, from what little I've read about him, he is definitely not all that well known among the general British (or American public). I own 2 Cd's and have listened occasionally to two of his symphonies, as well as to the Viola Concerto. I personally like the 4th Symphony as well as moments from the Concerto and Symphony #1.
What I glean from his 4th is a distinctly recognizable Nordic persuasion whose presence can be linked primarily to Sibelius, as well as to the Danish Nielson. The music is rigorously tonal, conservative vis-a-vis the mid to late 20th century musical standards and considerations. I tend to admit that perhaps Butterworth (no relation to the earlier British composer George) may not be a "great" composer; however, in my estimation, Butterworth creates some very fine elements, or moments for me personally, in that I sense and appreciate certain harmonies, chords and dramatic passages similar to the various Sibelianisms that haunt the 4th. There are also occasional hints, or traces of Bax, another favorite of mine.
Quote from: vandermolen on March 01, 2009, 02:41:37 PM
I played Symphony No 4 again today and like it more and more. I shall definitely buy the CD (it should arrive in time for the London Olympics ;D). I can't however face more that a minute or two of the interview with composer. I'm sure that it's really interesting but Butterworth has a very annoying voice :-X
I've posted several comments on butterworth's 4th Symphony. I just wanted to state again my sincere admiration for this work, as well as for the accompanying Viola Concerto. I've heard both works several times, and I very much like his"language," to use the mixed metaphor. Wonderful style throughout, appreciate the sibelianisms, and so forth. I would love to hear his 6th Symphony. Did he write seven? I'll have to check it out. Only the 1st and 4th are recorded. Am now waiting earnestly for his later conceived works. I can't seem, at least for now, to "get into" the 1st Symphony.
Quote from: schweitzeralan on May 30, 2010, 10:44:53 AM
I've posted several comments on butterworth's 4th Symphony. I just wanted to state again my sincere admiration for this work, as well as for the accompanying Viola Concerto. I've heard both works several times, and I very much like his"language," to use the mixed metaphor. Wonderful style throughout, appreciate th sibelianisms, and so forth. I would love to hear his 6th Symphony. did he write seven? I'll have to check it out. Only the 1st and 4th are recorded. Am now waiting earnestly for his later conceived works. I can't seem, at least for now, to "get into" the 1st Symphony.
Yes, I very much share this view but I like Symphony No 4 more and more and the ending has me on the edge of my seat. Must try to get into the Viola Concerto.
Sad to hear of his death aged 91 recently. His fine craggy Fourth Symphony should appeal to any fan of Bax, Moeran, Vaughan Williams and Sibelius. At one point it quotes from 'The Tempest' but it is a terrific work in its own right.
How's the Mrs.?
Quote from: snyprrr on December 01, 2014, 07:06:18 AM
How's the Mrs.?
Butterworth's wife herself died in 2012.
Since the last post here (from me in 2010) Arthur Butterworth (not to be confused with George) has passed away (in 2014) at the fine old age of 91.
I strongly recommend Symphony 4 with its echoes of Sibelius, Moeran, Bax and Vaughan Williams. At one point there is a brief quotation from Sibelius's score for 'The Tempest'. The Butterworth is a powerful and gripping score. Here is a forthcoming release from Lyrita featuring three of Butterworth's symphonies spread over two CDs:
[asin]B01DEANDTM[/asin]
Yet another composer to investigate that I never noticed on Classical radio.
He's got a pretty extensive works list.
Quote from: Scion7 on April 19, 2016, 02:04:05 AM
Yet another composer to investigate that I never noticed on Classical radio.
He's got a pretty extensive works list.
Try the craggy sibelian Symphony 4. There is a fine recording on Dutton conducted by the composer:
[asin]B001SGYCEA[/asin]
I've been enjoying the Symphony 2 (on the double Lyrita CD shown above). It's dedicated to Sibelius and Nielsen and shows the influence of the former. It's a shorter work than the epic Symphony 4 and has a very fine slow movement inspired by the death, in an accident, of Butterworth's dog.
Ordered the Dutton twofer shown above with Symphonies 1 & 4 and the Viola Concerto. The recording of No. 1 from the British Symphonic Collection box is probably my favourite discovery from that set, so I'm happy to be exploring more of Butterworth's music.
Quote from: Maestro267 on April 04, 2019, 04:35:28 AM
Ordered the Dutton twofer shown above with Symphonies 1 & 4 and the Viola Concerto. The recording of No. 1 from the British Symphonic Collection box is probably my favourite discovery from that set, so I'm happy to be exploring more of Butterworth's music.
It's a great double CD set. The sibelian Symphony No 4 is my favourite work by Butterworth and I prefer the Dutton performance to the Lyrita, although they are both excellent.
The recording mentioned above arrived today, and I'm currently listening to the Viola Concerto for the first time.
Today I learned that Butterworth wound up writing 7 numbered symphonies in all, the last coming as recently as 2011. Hopefully at some point we may wind up with recordings of all of them. So far I've only seen recordings of 1, 2, 4 and 5.
UPDATE: Oh my goodness, the slow movement of this Viola Concerto is so eerie and atmospheric! It's sending chills down my spine.
He passed away in 2014 - if anyone cares to update this topic.
I admire several of his pieces,
but none of us have an accurate picture of the man,
because so little of his music is available.
The chamber pieces, over 20 works, are nowhere to be found.
I do find the Violin concerto on YT a more enjoyable work than the commercial recording of the Viola concerto.
Quote from: Scion7 on July 26, 2021, 04:00:01 AM
He passed away in 2014 - if anyone cares to update this topic.
The chamber pieces, over 20 works, are nowhere to be found.
Dutton did issue a disc with two Piano Trios & the Viola Sonata.
Quote from: Scion7 on July 26, 2021, 04:00:01 AM
He passed away in 2014 - if anyone cares to update this topic.
I admire several of his pieces,
but none of us have an accurate picture of the man,
because so little of his music is available.
The chamber pieces, over 20 works, are nowhere to be found.
I do find the Violin concerto on YT a more enjoyable work than the commercial recording of the Viola concerto.
Lots on youtube such as viola sonata, partita, trio, etc. He himself didn't consider chamber music his native strength compared to brass and orchestral. I really like his Passacaglia for Brass Op. 87 on a theme of Brahms based on Brahms finale from the fourth symphony.
Quote from: J on July 26, 2021, 05:53:46 AM
Dutton did issue a disc with two Piano Trios & the Viola Sonata.
From what I saw it is OOP, but one can find copies (for now).
I just found the premiere of his 7th, and last, Symphony on Youtube.
Great stuff!
Wow, I'm sure I've talked about Butterworth on here before. Kinda surprised to find this thread has as few replies as it does. His 1st Symphony is spectacular, especially the finale! Also a big fan of the Viola Concerto. There's a fantastic album on Dutton with the Viola Concerto, the 4th Symphony, a historic recording of the 1st Symphony and a 25-minute interview with the composer.
Having done research this is the secondary thread which I wonder why this even exists and what makes it differ from the main thread.
Quote from: Maestro267 on December 13, 2023, 04:07:25 AMWow, I'm sure I've talked about Butterworth on here before. Kinda surprised to find this thread has as few replies as it does. His 1st Symphony is spectacular, especially the finale! Also a big fan of the Viola Concerto. There's a fantastic album on Dutton with the Viola Concerto, the 4th Symphony, a historic recording of the 1st Symphony and a 25-minute interview with the composer.
Having done research this is the secondary thread which I wonder why this even exists and what makes it differ from the main thread.
Yes, there is this thread: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,10257.0.html Maybe both can be merged.
Thanks for posting this, calyptorhynchus. I was at the premiere of Butterworth's 7th, hadn't realised how long ago that was! A well-argued piece with some great writing for the brass section.
Listening to all of his 7 symphonies recently, the ones that made a good impression on me were Nos. 4-7, in spite of the seven are heavily influenced by Sibelius and other composers (e.g. Bax).
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 16, 2023, 05:13:35 PMListening to all of his 7 symphonies recently, the ones that made a good impression on me were Nos. 4-7, in spite of the seven are heavily influenced by Sibelius and other composers (e.g. Bax).
Butterworth said his earliest works were rip offs of Vaughan Williams but I've never really heard that. Maybe perhaps he meant in works like The Path across the Moors there was a feel of English pastoralism? He was definitely largely inspired by Sibelius though, agreed.
I didn't realize it was possible to listen to Nos. 3 & 6.
For me Butterworth's most original (possibly enduring) voice is his Brass Band music which is genuinely very fine. I enjoy his orchestral music/the symphonies but they are just a bit too "sounds like" to be of lasting worth.
Quote from: Roasted Swan on December 17, 2023, 10:21:59 AMFor me Butterworth's most original (possibly enduring) voice is his Brass Band music which is genuinely very fine. I enjoy his orchestral music/the symphonies but they are just a bit too "sounds like" to be of lasting worth.
The first piece by Butterworth that I heard was a work for brass band, his Dales Suite. I'd be interested knowing what pieces you recommend for this medium, as don't recall hearing much else.
My perception of Butterworth's orchestral music differs in that even in those works where the influence is apparent, there is usually sufficient of the composer's own imprint to absorb rather than be dominated by them. There are also pieces like the Organ Concerto, which don't much sound like other Butterworth and are hard to discern what influences, if any. are at work.
The "main" disc of Butterworth for Brass is this one;
(https://www.worldofbrass.com/user/products/22007-cd-butterworth_1.jpg)
top-notch performances by top-notch players of some really idiomatic and fine music. Then there are individual pieces included in a couple of band "recital" discs;
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/c7/80/b7/mzi.tqjlrwtq.jpg/486x486bb.png)(https://d2j6dbq0eux0bg.cloudfront.net/images/70900754/2891564594.jpg)
The BIS disc includes his "Tritons" suite and the Foden's disc "Odin - From the Land of Fire and Ice" suite. Again fine music very well-played (and both part of interesting/enjoyable recitals)
Its not that I think Butterworth's Brass music is substantively BETTER than his other music. Just that in - say - the crowded field of British 20th Century Symphonies, his music, enjoyable though it is, is not as distinctive as others. I remember the 1st time I heard the Bostock coupling of his No.1 and Gipps' No.2. I enjoyed both works a lot but the Gipps was/is the work that sticks more in my memory. In the field of Brass band music there are many fine composers/arrangers - Edward Gregson stands out for one - but Butterworth's music here is not just good but more original within the genre.
Quote from: Roasted Swan on December 18, 2023, 02:27:51 AMThe "main" disc of Butterworth for Brass is this one;
(https://www.worldofbrass.com/user/products/22007-cd-butterworth_1.jpg)
top-notch performances by top-notch players of some really idiomatic and fine music. Then there are individual pieces included in a couple of band "recital" discs;
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/c7/80/b7/mzi.tqjlrwtq.jpg/486x486bb.png)(https://d2j6dbq0eux0bg.cloudfront.net/images/70900754/2891564594.jpg)
The BIS disc includes his "Tritons" suite and the Foden's disc "Odin - From the Land of Fire and Ice" suite. Again fine music very well-played (and both part of interesting/enjoyable recitals)
Its not that I think Butterworth's Brass music is substantively BETTER than his other music. Just that in - say - the crowded field of British 20th Century Symphonies, his music, enjoyable though it is, is not as distinctive as others. I remember the 1st time I heard the Bostock coupling of his No.1 and Gipps' No.2. I enjoyed both works a lot but the Gipps was/is the work that sticks more in my memory. In the field of Brass band music there are many fine composers/arrangers - Edward Gregson stands out for one - but Butterworth's music here is not just good but more original within the genre.
I enjoyed very much 'Passacaglia for Brass on a Theme of Brahms' from the first album above.
I listened to the 5th Symphony earlier and the slow movement is incredible! It's in a similar vein to the haunting slow movt. of the Viola Concerto imo.