GMG Classical Music Forum

Have heard some good things about this composer.  Is anyone a fan? Any recommendations?

Quote from: tjguitar on May 03, 2007, 09:08:19 PM
Have heard some good things about this composer.  Is anyone a fan? Any recommendations?

I have about 10 Scott cds, so I guess I qualify as a fan.  I find his music very interesting and recommend the Chandos orchestral series (3 discs so far) and the piano discs on Dutton (four volumes to date).

There is one Scott disc I've had trouble getting into - string quartets on Dutton.  More ascerbic than his norm, and I keep trying.

Quote from: Don on May 03, 2007, 09:20:04 PM
I have about 10 Scott cds, so I guess I qualify as a fan.  I find his music very interesting and recommend the Chandos orchestral series (3 discs so far) and the piano discs on Dutton (four volumes to date).

There is one Scott disc I've had trouble getting into - string quartets on Dutton.  More ascerbic than his norm, and I keep trying.

Has more been recorded/planned on being recorded?  What composers would you say he is similar to/influenced by?


Thanks
TJ

Funny, I just heard his 2nd Piano Sonata on our radio coming home! Pretty neat stuff, and more atonal than I expected, interesting though. It was a Naxos recording, the pianist was something Erickson.

I also am not really familiar with him but have been curious. Especially the orchestral works.

Quote from: tjguitar on May 03, 2007, 09:23:10 PM
Has more been recorded/planned on being recorded?  What composers would you say he is similar to/influenced by?


Thanks
TJ

It's likely that Dutton, Chandos and Lyrita will continuing releasing discs.  I consider Scott one of a kind.  His music reveals a wide range of style with some victorian elements, a lot of dissonance and some deviation from tonal centers.  He also composed a ton of piano miniatures at the request of his publisher, many of them delightfully playful. 

Scott was sort of a man for all seasons - he wrote dozens of books on poetry, alternative medicine and off-beat religions.  As for similarity to other composers, I suppose one could consider him an updated version of Elgar, but I find Scriabin a somewhat kindred spirit.

I went over to cyrilscott.net and it said:

QuoteCHANDOS is now planning to record all the major orchestral compositions.

I wonder what constitutes "major" compositions? Will EVERYTHING be released? or just his symphonies and concertos w/ some "filler" ?

Cyril Scott was better in the shorter works, like the beautiful "Aubade", than in his longer pieces like the symphonies. I would recommend the two Piano Concertos though, of which several versions are now available - incl. the pioneering Lyrita release with John Ogdon under the baton of Bernard Herrmann.

His music oscillates between impressionism and late romanticism, sometimes uncomfortably so. An uneven composer to be sure.

Proceed with caution, and avoid the dreadful Marco Polo disc of his shorter orchestral works under Peter Marchbank.

The Chandos series has now progressed to the Violin Concerto, which itself is not a great work (but not unpleasant either). That disc contains a wonderful version of the Aubade, and a spirited Three Symphonic Dances, my Scott favorite. The Chandos recordings surely show the composer in the best possible light.

Thomas

I agree with Thomas, although I like the work "Neptune" on one of the Chandos issues (I have the Violin Concerto but have not yet listened to it).

The Lyrita CD with both piano concerti and "Early one Morning" is my favourite Cyril Scott CD.

Quote from: sound67 on May 04, 2007, 12:17:10 AM
Cyril Scott was better in the shorter works, like the beautiful "Aubade", than in his longer pieces like the symphonies. I would recommend the two Piano Concertos though, of which several versions are now available - incl. the pioneering Lyrita release with John Ogdon under the baton of Bernard Herrmann.

His music oscillates between impressionism and late romanticism, sometimes uncomfortably so. An uneven composer to be sure.

Proceed with caution, and avoid the dreadful Marco Polo disc of his shorter orchestral works under Peter Marchbank.

The Chandos series has now progressed to the Violin Concerto, which itself is not a great work (but not unpleasant either). That disc contains a wonderful version of the Aubade, and a spirited Three Symphonic Dances, my Scott favorite. The Chandos recordings surely show the composer in the best possible light.

Thomas

A nice summation and I agree with most of it.  I would also suggest the newly available Lyrita CD of the two Piano Concertos.  I especially like the slow movement to the 1st Piano Concerto with its use of the celesta.

His Cello Concerto is being recorded for the first time later this year by Chandos. I contacted them about a uniquely beautiful piece - The Melodist and the Nightingales. The title obviously derives from Beatrice Harrison's famous BBC recordings, and she in fact premiered. It's in the same veign as The lark ascending but more harmonically sicy - lots of chords based on fourths, but the whole effect is ravishing (in the same way, or better even than the RVW). I only know about it because I heard about it through a cellist, and then happened upon the rare sheet music by chance.

Their reply was that they were extremely interested in recording the piece, so hopefully it will make it onto the disc - its about 20 minutes, so it will probably be a push to add in at the end, but heres hoping!

I listened to his symphony No. 3--amazing stuff.  It sounds VERY "film music-like"...and being a fan of that genre, I'm loving every bit of it. :)

I especially like the brass.  The BBC Philharmonic really shines here.

Lotus land for piano- short but magical, nostalgic piece quite sophisticated and colourful in that exotic way.

Just got an e-mail response from Desmond Scott:

QuoteThe 1st Symphony and the Cello Concerto are to be recorded this
October.
Release date not yet available.

Sincerely

Desmond Scott

From cyrilscott.net

QuoteChandos's Fourth CD with the early Symphony No 1 in G (1899) and the Cello Concerto (1927), Paul Watkins soloist, is scheduled for recording with the BBC Philharmonic and Martyn Brabbins later this year and will be released sometime in 2008.

It seems this is being released in early March:

http://www.kochdistribution.com/catalog/AudioInfo.aspx?number=CHN-CD-10452

...and the cover art:

(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/CHAN10452.jpg)

Just bought and listened to the new Scott CD from Chandos.

I am not a huge fan of Cyril Scott's music. I have bought all of the orchestral works recently released but more out of a sense of duty to the cause of British music(or lunatic completism to be more cruel!). The Cello Concerto is rather too diffuse for my tastes-sub-Delian meandering at first listening(it may grow on me!) but the 1st symphony is rather a jolly piece-certainly unlike his music from the 1920s onwards. I do tend to be a bit suspicious of a lot of the turn of the century British music being released in some quantity these days and find much of it a bit pale in the obvious influences of Brahms, Dvorak etc but the Scott does show considerable promise and was definitely worth its revival by Chandos. Recommended!

Where did you buy it from? Amazon doesn't yet list it, and I can't seem to see it on the website. I've been waiting for two years for this release - originally Jullia Lloyd Webber was meant to record the piece, so I don't know why that didn't happen. As I noted back in mAy, I wrote to them asking whether they could include 'The Melodist and the Nightingale' for cello and orchestra on this CD, but obviously they haven't. I read somewhere that this was the last in the series of discs too which is a bummer, as its likely to be ages before anyone shows any interest in recording anything else by him.  :(

Very much looking forward to the cello concerto though!

I certainly going to try some works of this interesting composer.
Chandos seems the place.....

Quote from: Guido on January 29, 2008, 06:53:23 PM
Where did you buy it from? Amazon doesn't yet list it, and I can't seem to see it on the website. I've been waiting for two years for this release - originally Jullia Lloyd Webber was meant to record the piece, so I don't know why that didn't happen. As I noted back in mAy, I wrote to them asking whether they could include 'The Melodist and the Nightingale' for cello and orchestra on this CD, but obviously they haven't. I read somewhere that this was the last in the series of discs too which is a bummer, as its likely to be ages before anyone shows any interest in recording anything else by him.  :(

Very much looking forward to the cello concerto though!

I got it from MDT-the mail order company based in Derby in England. Get almost all my CDs from them-excellent firm and excellent prices!

I agree with your point about this CD being the last in the series. As with the recent Lennox Berkeley/Michael Berkeley series Chandos seem to have no intention of giving us a complete survey of the orchestral works but rather incomplete selections. Cyril Scott's other concerti-for Oboe, Harpsichord, Violin/Cello, for example-will remain unrecorded for now. As frustrating for devotees as the 'failure' of Hyperion to follow up Robert Simpson's symphonies with his concerti!

Quote from: Dundonnell on January 29, 2008, 04:38:23 PM
Just bought and listened to the new Scott CD from Chandos.

I am not a huge fan of Cyril Scott's music. I have bought all of the orchestral works recently released but more out of a sense of duty to the cause of British music(or lunatic completism to be more cruel!). The Cello Concerto is rather too diffuse for my tastes-sub-Delian meandering at first listening(it may grow on me!) but the 1st symphony is rather a jolly piece-certainly unlike his music from the 1920s onwards. I do tend to be a bit suspicious of a lot of the turn of the century British music being released in some quantity these days and find much of it a bit pale in the obvious influences of Brahms, Dvorak etc but the Scott does show considerable promise and was definitely worth its revival by Chandos. Recommended!

Thanks. As a fellow "lunatic completist" I will be aquiring this along with new releases of Bax, Brian, etc etc. My favourite Scott CD is the Herrmann/Ogdon one on Lyrita. I like the Piano Concerto No 1, Early one Morning and "Neptune" on Chandos.

Quote from: Guido on January 29, 2008, 06:53:23 PM
Where did you buy it from? Amazon doesn't yet list it, and I can't seem to see it on the website. I've been waiting for two years for this release - originally Jullia Lloyd Webber was meant to record the piece, so I don't know why that didn't happen. As I noted back in mAy, I wrote to them asking whether they could include 'The Melodist and the Nightingale' for cello and orchestra on this CD, but obviously they haven't. I read somewhere that this was the last in the series of discs too which is a bummer, as its likely to be ages before anyone shows any interest in recording anything else by him.  :(

Very much looking forward to the cello concerto though!

The last??? I thought Chandos commited to record all the 'major works' ? Are we at the end of the 'major' works?

As I remarked earlier, Chandos has indeed ended their Scott series with this new CD. That means that not only will the other concerti remain unrecorded but that we shall not get any of Scott's choral works-like the Nativity Hymn, La Belle Dame sans merci, The Ballad of Fair Helen of Kirkconnel, the Mystic Ode, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, the Ode to Great Men or the Hymn of Unity.

Pity. I am intrigued to know what Scott was like as a choral composer. A mini-series can be extremely frustrating if one discovers a composer whose music really appeals but can't hear other works by that same composer.

The Cello concerto is not an excellent piece, though sections of it that are wonderful (e.g. the opening), but I agree that it seems a tad diffuse. It is a little bit of a pity that they didn't record The Melodist and the Nightingales...  It would have fit on the CD too... annoying.

Quite a few comments and thoughts on this particular thread.  I've been an aficionado of the music of Cyril Scott for many years.  I have dabbled on several of his piano pieces; despite my amateurism, the harmoies and chords suggest much subtle and lush harmony and color. Is there anyone out there who can or who does play this English impressionist?  Like "Bells," for instance? Exquisite piece among others composed during this earlier period of Scott's works.

I have enjoyed this new release of Cyril Scott's chamber music, having only previously heard his orchestral scores.  The earliest work is the Deubussyian/Ravelian Piano Trio No 1 from 1920.  I found this to be a very engaging and atmospheric score of c 30 minutes.  The other works are in Scott's later style but equally rewarding. There is a perceptive and not uncritical review on the Amazon UK site.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scott-Chamber-Nos-172-Clarinet-Quintet/dp/B002VFCE8I/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1264116504&sr=8-23

Quote from: Dundonnell on January 29, 2008, 04:38:23 PM
Just bought and listened to the new Scott CD from Chandos.

I am not a huge fan of Cyril Scott's music. I have bought all of the orchestral works recently released but more out of a sense of duty to the cause of British music(or lunatic completism to be more cruel!). The Cello Concerto is rather too diffuse for my tastes-sub-Delian meandering at first listening(it may grow on me!) but the 1st symphony is rather a jolly piece-certainly unlike his music from the 1920s onwards. I do tend to be a bit suspicious of a lot of the turn of the century British music being released in some quantity these days and find much of it a bit pale in the obvious influences of Brahms, Dvorak etc but the Scott does show considerable promise and was definitely worth its revival by Chandos. Recommended!

I was going to initiate a thread on Cyril S. but am pleased that there are some Scott enthusiasts.  I bought the 1st Symphony CD a while ago, and I played it yesterday but listened only to the symphony.  Will pick it up tonight to listen to remaining titles. There has been several postings on this significant British composer.  I read years ago that he was somehow a member of the "Frankfort Group" Which included several other British composers including the Australian Grainger.  Scott had many talents and contributed many literary achievements along with the substantial musical works. He was called the English Debussy," and although there are similarities Scott generates his own subtleties.  This symphony is a fine work which is basically impressionistic and has many mystical, ethereal, metaphysical persuasions

This is my favourite Cyril Scott CD - a wonderful collaboration between John Ogdon and Bernard Herrmann.

The work I've heard by Cyril Scott that I actually enjoyed was his Symphony No. 1, but even this work hasn't really impressed me that much. Never cared to explore his music any further. A RVW, Rubbra, or Bax he is not.

Quote from: vandermolen on August 03, 2010, 07:55:39 AM
This is my favourite Cyril Scott CD - a wonderful collaboration between John Ogdon and Bernard Herrmann.

Don't have that recording, but I'll bet it is a good one.  Shall order tomorrow.

(http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3931/511bqh8zn0lss400.jpg)
By dinasman (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/dinasman) at 2011-09-13
I have quite a few Cyril Scott cds,but have to admit that they don't get played THAT often. If they do,it's usually late at night with a stick of incense burning! The 3rd symphony is,what Frank Carson might have termed,'a bit of a cracker' and might make a fun Prom! The Piano Concerto No 1 is very original,in it's own early 20thC English sort of way & I rather like the spooky and rather mysterious sounding Fourth symphony,which would probably make good background music for a reading of  'Isis Unveiled' or 'The Secret Doctrine' by Madam Blavatsky! Not that I read that sort of thing,of course!!!
Nevertheless,the Cyril Scott cds that return most often to my cd player are the one pictured above,and the  Chandos recording of his Piano trios 1 & 2(etc),recommended by 'Vandermolen' in a previous post,which is another very enjoyable cd. Unlike his orchestral music,Scott's instrumental music seems far more focused,and I like the clean,lean,transparency of the textures. I even prefer it to his solo piano music,which pleasant as it is,in my opinion overrated,upmarket salon music (with,maybe a few exceptions). Also,his instrumental music is less moody. Cyril Scott,as allot of people here probably know,fancied himself as a bit of an occultist,and this unfortunate obsession does tend to result in a certain sameness of texture. Everything has to sound gloomy and mysterious,which wouldn't be as bad if Cyril Scott had been as talented and inspired as Scriabin. Unfortunately,he wasn't.
On a more positive note,Scotts best music is interesting enough for me to want to hear more. Some excerpts from his opera 'The Alchemist' broadcast on R3,some years ago,show an unexpectedly light touch & it seems to me that a recording of this fantastically scored opera,would make a suitably appropriate companion to Vaughan Williams's opera 'The Poisoned Kiss' or a (long overdue) complete recording of Holst's 'The Perfect Fool'. His choral music also sounds quite intriguing.

I can see this threads going to run and run!
Incidentally,how many people here know that Cyril Scott wrote a very interesting book(let) on Constipation, (Constipation & Constipation 1956)?
(Well,it was worth a try!)
Something to read while you're gritting you're teeth through his Second Piano Concerto.

I am not going to follow you very far regarding Cyril Scott ;D I think that I have already said everything I want to about old Cyril.

His music doesn't really do it for me...any more than does Frederick Delius or York Bowen(as Johan can testify ;D). I have all the cds of the orchestral music of each of these composers....because I am a British music 'afficianado'(euphemism  for 'lunatic') but I don't return to them very often and nod off when I try to concentrate on the music.

My loss, no doubt :)

A yes and a No for Cyril Scott,I believe! As I said in my earlier post,I'm not a huge fan of Scotts music. The murky, densely chromatic,incense laden,occult infused,impressionistic meandering can be a bit much at times. To my mind,Cyril Scott is best listened to in a Tibetan monastery,surrounded by the cowled figures of Buddhist monks,thigh up in the Himalayan mountains,at or after midnight & preferably,if you're into Lobsang Rampa (anyone remember the his occult bestseller,'The Third Eye'? Apparently,he was actually an Irish Dustman) surrounded by a ring of giant Siamese cats.
Having said that,there's no denying that Scott was a very skilful orchestrator and his music IS 'different' (as opposed to deeply original) & I would certainly like to hear more.
It's just a pity that Scott couldn't have allowed a little more sunlight into his scores at times,those densely chromatic layers can get a bit tiring,at times. I must admit,if I'd ever been able to meet Scott,I would have had an overwhelming urge to tell the guy to lighten up! Having said that,when you're in an occult mood and you want a change from Alexander equally occult & mysterious Scriabin,there's nothing like a bit of late night Cyril Scott. Especially with Joss sticks.Although,make sure you've got a decent incense burner,otherwise you might end up burning the house down! Scented candles go very well with Scott too,especially those big tall ones!
  On the other hand,if you want you're Cyril Scott less murky and mysterious you could always have a go at the Naxos cd recommended above!
  On a more serious note,I was quite suprised at the vigour of the excerpts I heard from 'The Alchemist'. This strikes me as as score that not only deserves a complete professional recording,but could even appeal to some people who think they don't like Cyril Scott! But,who knows?
  I agree with you,Albion, about the Cello Concerto. That quiet spooky bit,particularly. Not the sort of thing you want to listen to with the lights off,particularly before bed! :o :o :o
Glad you like the eerie,enigmatic Fourth symphony. Possibly,my favourite! Oh,and the so called,'Festival Overture'. I could go on?!!!
  Have to say,I was disappointed that Chandos didn't get around to the harpsichord Concerto.
   Oh,and then there all those WIERD, sounding books!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o 

                                                                                 Yours Sincerely
                                                                                  Brother Cilgwyn
                                                                     

(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/28/41ha9y5tc5lss500.jpg)
By dinasman (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/dinasman) at 2011-09-14
Can I keep the light on tonight,Mum?  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8435/51dzwmvuymlss500.jpg)
By dinasman (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/dinasman) at 2011-09-14
A book Cyril Scott might have enjoyed.
"HELLO! IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE MONASTERY?"
He could have done with a house call!

Quote from: cilgwyn on September 14, 2011, 10:17:27 AM
A yes and a No for Cyril Scott,I believe! As I said in my earlier post,I'm not a huge fan of Scotts music. The murky, densely chromatic,incense laden,occult infused,impressionistic meandering can be a bit much at times. To my mind,Cyril Scott is best listened to in a Tibetan monastery,surrounded by the cowled figures of Buddhist monks,thigh up in the Himalayan mountains,at or after midnight & preferably,if you're into Lobsang Rampa (anyone remember the his occult bestseller,'The Third Eye'? Apparently,he was actually an Irish Dustman) surrounded by a ring of giant Siamese cats.
Having said that,there's no denying that Scott was a very skilful orchestrator and his music IS 'different' (as opposed to deeply original) & I would certainly like to hear more.
It's just a pity that Scott couldn't have allowed a little more sunlight into his scores at times,those densely chromatic layers can get a bit tiring,at times. I must admit,if I'd ever been able to meet Scott,I would have had an overwhelming urge to tell the guy to lighten up! Having said that,when you're in an occult mood and you want a change from Alexander equally occult & mysterious Scriabin,there's nothing like a bit of late night Cyril Scott. Especially with Joss sticks.Although,make sure you've got a decent incense burner,otherwise you might end up burning the house down! Scented candles go very well with Scott too,especially those big tall ones!
  On the other hand,if you want you're Cyril Scott less murky and mysterious you could always have a go at the Naxos cd recommended above!
  On a more serious note,I was quite suprised at the vigour of the excerpts I heard from 'The Alchemist'. This strikes me as as score that not only deserves a complete professional recording,but could even appeal to some people who think they don't like Cyril Scott! But,who knows?
  I agree with you,Albion, about the Cello Concerto. That quiet spooky bit,particularly. Not the sort of thing you want to listen to with the lights off,particularly before bed! :o :o :o
Glad you like the eerie,enigmatic Fourth symphony. Possibly,my favourite! Oh,and the so called,'Festival Overture'. I could go on?!!!
  Have to say,I was disappointed that Chandos didn't get around to the harpsichord Concerto.
   Oh,and then there all those WIERD, sounding books!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o 

                                                                                 Yours Sincerely
                                                                                  Brother Cilgwyn
                                                                   

Did you mean "high up in the Himalayan mountains" or-as you wrote- "thigh up in the Himalayan mountains"??

The latter conjures all kinds of strange images :o ;D :o

Quote from: Dundonnell on September 14, 2011, 04:10:28 PM
Did you mean "high up in the Himalayan mountains" or-as you wrote- "thigh up in the Himalyan mountains"?

The latter conjures all kinds of strange images :o ;D :o

That's what you call a 'Freudian slip',isnt it? "Thigh up in the himalaya's..."Oh dear,what a howler! Thanks for pointing that out Dundonnell. I'm going to have to show that one to my mother!!!
I hope Scotts estate aren't reading these posts!  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

I had another listen to the fourth the other night. This has to be my favourite work by Scott & I think it's marvellous,although you DO have to be in the right mood. Whether it really is a symphony,is open to debate,I suppose,but Scott's orchestration here is at it's kaleidoscopic,wondrous occult best. This symphony really is spooky. For some reason it always evokes mental images of some alien landscape,perhaps in the outer reaches of some distant planetary system. The bizarre landscapes of CS Lewis's Perelandra or Macdonald's Lilith/ Phantastes,also spring to mind. Not that I'm in any way a fan of the books,it just does!
At any rate,after I'd finished listening to Scott's Fourth,in the dark & very late at night,I felt an urge to check behind the curtains,just in case that odd looking bulging out of the dralon might be Nosferatu,waiting patiently for me to get into bed,so he could steal upstairs and drain my blood! :o :o :o :o :o :o
Thank you Cyril Scott! :o :o :o

Just listened twice to Scott's tone-poem 'Neptune' (courtesy of Colin). Colourful piece. I have known about Cyril Scott all my life (since I woke up intellectually, that is, in my early teens), but never took the step of actually exploring his music. Strange, of course, as I knew I would probably like it, but those things happen. So I am glad I now 'took the plunge' (to stay within the watery sphere) with 'Neptune'. Scott sounds like Bax' lost brother. And like Bax, his music is very appealing, but strangely impersonal at the same time (for me, at least). Come to think of it, I can add Bantock, too. Bax, Scott, Bantock, all write very lush and beautiful music, but lack character (that's the difference with Brian, who really puts his inimitable stamp on everything he writes). Still - I like the music a lot.
In the fourth movement of Neptune, Allegro agitato, there is a string passage (from 1'29'' onward) that is a clear premonition of RVW's Sixth Symphony, the second and final movements.

Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on April 17, 2012, 07:47:49 AM
Just listened twice to Scott's tone-poem 'Neptune' (courtesy of Colin). Colourful piece. I have known about Cyril Scott all my life (since I woke up intellectually, that is, in my early teens), but never took the step of actually exploring his music. Strange, of course, as I knew I would probably like it, but those things happen. So I am glad I now 'took the plunge' (to stay within the watery sphere) with 'Neptune'. Scott sounds like Bax' lost brother. And like Bax, his music is very appealing, but strangely impersonal at the same time (for me, at least). Come to think of it, I can add Bantock, too. Bax, Scott, Bantock, all write very lush and beautiful music, but lack character (that's the difference with Brian, who really puts his inimitable stamp on everything he writes). Still - I like the music a lot.
In the fourth movement of Neptune, Allegro agitato, there is a string passage (from 1'29'' onward) that is a clear premonition of RVW's Sixth Symphony, the second and final movements.

I am a great fan of 'Neptune' too and that 'chinese sounding' Piano Concerto No 1.  It has a dreamy, hypnotic quality to it - especially in the Ogdon/Herrmann recording on Lyrita.

Must say,I know I'm alone here (possibly),but my favourite Scott composition is his spooky & very mysterious Fourth symphony. I think it's tremendous & I couldn't understand some of the negative responses from critics. It's very sombre,but not gloomy & can be a bit scary if you listen to it just before bed! :o It always brings to mind images of strange landscapes & planets. Of course,Scott was an occultist,so it's no suprise,really.
  With respect to 'Neptune' & the 'third symphony'. I think they would be fantastic music to play at a Prom concert. Wishfull thinking,of course;but who would have ever expected the Gothic. And the First Piano Concerto really is an astonishing piece.
   The only problem with Scott,to my ears,is that he seems to have got stuck in a creative rut. As with Roy Harris,in a different kind of way,there is a lack of variety in his music,particularly his later stuff,which can become a little wearing,if you listen to too much of it in one go.  But the works mentioned here are very good and well worth hearing & I don't see why Neptune & the third symphony couldn't be popular showpieces. A change from some of the usual 'war horses',perhaps?
   

I am going to listen to the Third and Fourth symphonies, too. And that First Piano Concerto sounds enticing. I have deliberately not read this thread, to come to Scott's music as free and open-minded as possible...

That might be a good way to approach Roy Harris,too;if you had only heard the third. Although,it might lead to disappointment,of course! :(

I love the Fourth! Yes,some of Scott's music does sound a bit 'samey';but at best he was a superb orchestrator! If you want to try his chamber music I would recommend the Chandos cd. But first things first,eh?!!!
The third is a bit of a cinematic blockbuster,really. The First Piano Concerto,kaleidoscopic & I think,very original,in it's own way. Although,I don't mean epoch making original,like Bartok or Stravinsky,of course!

NB:  Maybe some Madam Blavatsky (Isis Unveiled,The Secret Doctrine?) or a couple of joss sticks will help?!!! ;D

Who knows?  ;D

This is my favourite Cyril Scott CD:
[asin]B000M5B6MO[/asin]

Quote from: vandermolen on Today at 08:44:25 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=735.msg621307#msg621307)

This is my favourite Cyril Scott CD

:(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000M5B6MO.01.L.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000M5B6MO/?tag=goodmusicguideco)

Noted.

I liked Symphony No 4 - although I found it a little rambling on first hearing - in fact I was only aware it had ended when 'Early One Morning' started, so I had probably lost concentration for a moment.  'Early One Morning' is a genuinely lovely and heart-warming  work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrbXLE3r6P0

(Due to computer illiteracy I almost posted Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night' here instead of the Cyril Scott work  :o)

I'm ashamed to say I haven't got that cd,but I have heard Ogdon playing the First Piano Concerto via an off air cassette of this performance. What do you make of the Second Piano Concerto,I wonder? (Does anyone like this one?). I'll need to 'dig out' my Chandos version & listen to it again;this time using the program feature,so I can concentrate on it,a little more.

Aaagh! Not Kate Perry!!!! :o

I would have thought it completely impossible to get Cyril Scott and Roy Harris into the same post :o ;D

The Scott symphonies-well, Nos. 3 and 4- I can take. There are some impressive passages -Delius on steroids ;D ;D The piano concertos are far too dreamy for my tastes :(

Cyril Scott and Roy Harris in the same post (S!)........no mean feat,eh?!!!! ;D
What next? Delius and Jon Leifs? Faure and Khatchaturian?!!! ;D

Quote from: cilgwyn on April 18, 2012, 04:51:23 AM
I'm ashamed to say I haven't got that cd,but I have heard Ogdon playing the First Piano Concerto via an off air cassette of this performance. What do you make of the Second Piano Concerto,I wonder? (Does anyone like this one?). I'll need to 'dig out' my Chandos version & listen to it again;this time using the program feature,so I can concentrate on it,a little more.

Aaagh! Not Kate Perry!!!! :o

Piano Concerto No 2 is a tougher nut to crack - but worthwhile all the same.

I'll have a crack at it later! ;D I just browsed the deleted Koch cds on Amazon. Not my all time favourite label,but quite an eclectic outpouring,with some composers who are still pretty neglected & others I have never heard of! All sorts of things really!You never knew what to expect. And usually in pretty decent performances,unlike another erstwhile label,that springs to mind!  Koch,along with Unicorn,a label to miss! :( Although,I have a feeling that "Yodelling the Classics" won't be very high on my want list!!! ;D
  Hopefully their best efforts will turn up elsewhere (I see their Marek volumes are being reissued! Haven't heard his music....any good?!)

I am rather impressed by this composer simply for not sounding like he "should" given his time and country of residence. One symphony in particular had such a wonderful use of chorus, a bit like RVW's Flos Campi, but with more of a La mer meets Bantock effect.

Quote from: Lethevich on April 18, 2012, 07:55:50 AM
I am rather impressed by this composer simply for not sounding like he "should" given his time and country of residence. One symphony in particular had such a wonderful use of chorus, a bit like RVW's Flos Campi, but with more of a La mer meets Bantock effect.

That's a very good description I think, maybe with a bit of Delius thrown into the mix.

Quote from: vandermolen on 18-04-2012, 14:46:38 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=735.msg621383#msg621383)

I liked Symphony No 4 - although I found it a little rambling on first hearing - in fact I was only aware it had ended when 'Early One Morning' started, so I had probably lost concentration for a moment.  'Early One Morning' is a genuinely lovely and heart-warming  work.

>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrbXLE3r6P0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrbXLE3r6P0)

(Due to computer illiteracy I almost posted Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night' here instead of the Cyril Scott work  :o )



Beautiful! Very French use of the piano.

I am listening to Piano Concerto No. 1 on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxSxeCfC_oA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxSxeCfC_oA)) Like it!

I just bought all of the Brabbins recordings of Scott on Chandos. Really looking forward to diving into this composer. Scott's name has come up many times on my computer screen in the past. He's certainly an interesting composer.

This is an excellent disc of Scott's chamber music - love the cover image too!
[asin]B002VFCE8I[/asin]

Actually,not to denigrate his orchestral output,but I do feel Cyril Scott is at his best in his chamber music. It seems more tightly constructed & it's often more outgoing in spirit. This cd is excellent. The Naxos cd of Violin Sonata's is a good follow up! I hope they do more.
  By the way Johan,what brought on this current surge of enthusiasm for Cyril Scott?! I'm intrigued!

To answer cilgwyn's question - I put the conclusion of Thomas Hardy's poem 'The Convergence of the Twain' on Facebook on 15 April, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, which that poem describes. And then Colin reacted, saying that Cyril Scott had written a tone-poem about it... And the rest is - listening.  ;D

Johan - how did you get on with Scott's Piano Concerto No 1?

Very well, Jeffrey! Colourful work, I loved it. Scott certainly is his own man here. I read on Musicweb that Brabbins takes the middle movement much faster than Herrmann, not unexpectedly. I wonder what sort of difference that makes: does the music come to a gorgeous standstill? The orchestration is also very original. All in all, Scott is certainly a composer who finds favour with me!

For a complete catalogue of Cyril Scott's orchestral and choral music see the Composer Reference section on 'Unsung Composers' :)

(I now have exactly 100 Composer Catalogues up on that site: 65 British and 35 American ;D)

Quote from: J.Z. Herrenberg on April 19, 2012, 03:46:39 PM
Very well, Jeffrey! Colourful work, I loved it. Scott certainly is his own man here. I read on Musicweb that Brabbins takes the middle movement much faster than Herrmann, not unexpectedly. I wonder what sort of difference that makes: does the music come to a gorgeous standstill? The orchestration is also very original. All in all, Scott is certainly a composer who finds favour with me!

I think that the Bernard Herrmann/John Ogdon CD has a special quality to it - very poetic and dream like + great cover painting of Scott. I am biased as it was my intro to Scott on LP taken out (many times) from the High Street Kensington Music Library in the early 1970s.

There's a nice extract from the notes accompanying the Chandos CD featuring Piano Concerto No. 1 etc:

I [Lewis Foreman] remember attending the revival of the concerto at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1969 in the presence of the composer.  In a wonderfully touching moment the old man was seen with his equally aged friend the viola player Lionel Tertis, the two in their faded velvet smoking jackets, like glorious survivors of a golden age.

Yes, nice quote, Jeffrey!

Quote from: Dundonnell on April 19, 2012, 04:04:26 PM
For a complete catalogue of Cyril Scott's orchestral and choral music see the Composer Reference section on 'Unsung Composers' :)

(I now have exactly 100 Composer Catalogues up on that site: 65 British and 35 American ;D )

You have been busy. Can the UC server contain it all?!  ;D  Will take a look.

Regarding the Fourth Symphony. It's not mature Sibelius,I know ;D,but I actually find this symphony quite tautly constructed (for Scott!). Far from meandering,I find myself quite impressed by the way he brings that sombre theme back in the final movement. When I listen to it,usually late at night (which seems appropriate for the music of an occultist) I find the way Scott resolves this symphony very satisfying. Also,Scotts orchestration is so wonderful I can honestly forgive him for a little meandering,here and there.
A wonderful piece of music;although,having said that,you do need to be in the right sort of mood. It's sad that it has been neglected for such a long time. To the unconvinced,I really would suggest giving it another go;albeit,late at night,with the lights turned low! ;D

Played 'Neptune' in the car today - loved it; a long time since I've heard it. It reminded me of Bax and Vaughan Williams's 6th Symphony Epilogue at one point.  Still, it remains a strinkingly original work and powerfully atmospheric.

For all its diffuseness of ideas, Scott's music has a haunting quality which makes one want to return to it.
(Penguin Record Guide 2008)

I'd go along with this.

I certainly do! And nice to see the Cyril Scott thread has finally reached 'page 4'!
Anyone tried his books? They seem to have remained in print,even while his music was neglected!

Quote from: vandermolen on 20-04-2012, 18:49:08 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=735.msg622106#msg622106)

Played 'Neptune' in the car today - loved it; a long time since I've heard it. It reminded me of Bax and Vaughan Williams's 6th Symphony Epilogue at one point.  Still, it remains a strinkingly original work and powerfully atmospheric.



Great minds etc. As I wrote earlier:
"In the fourth movement of Neptune, Allegro agitato, there is a string passage (from 1'29'' onward) that is a clear premonition of RVW's Sixth Symphony, the second and final movements"...

(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Feb07/Scott_srcd251.jpg)


Piano Concerto No. 2 has still to be 'cracked', but No. 1 and Early One Morning are ravishing.

Apologies to all,for last nights rambling posts! :-[ Yes,I must admit I programmed in No2 last night & I didn't really get anywhere too much! ;D :( At the same time,maybe I just wasn't in the right mood. No4,which has been described by Vandermolen,amongst others,as 'meandering' (or was it,'rambling'? Same thing,really!)does,at least to my ears,have some themes that I can follow. My problem with No2 is that it just doesn't seem to have any melodic profile. A strange,occult,mysterious atmosphere,(albeit,very astringent!) but that's about all! :(
  I wonder if his book 'Bone of Contention' (?) holds any answers? Maybe Scott needs an advocate of the calibre of MM,to reveal his secrets?

Maybe,not?!!!

Update: obsessed by Piano Concerto No. 1 (Ogdon/Herrmann)...

Sounds serious,Johan?!!! :o ;D

It's a pleasant affliction...  ;D

Listening to Scotts First Piano Concerto,led me to listen to some other less well known Piano Concerto's. Apart from Tikhon Khrennikov's first three,which I really shouldn't say,are marvellous (I had them on repeat for hours),but my ears can't lie to me,even if he was a rotter!!! :Sorry! I only wish I could hate them!!! :( Frederic Devreese's four came next. Like Arnold,he is inspired by popular influences. Everytime I listen to them I find it hard to understand why they aren't better known! Marvellous,and Blumenthal's playing is stunning! Next to the Bate concerto,on the recently released Dutton,I can't think of anyone,apart from Gershwin,of course,who has assimilated popular & classical idioms in a Piano Concerto,so effectively. The wonderful First Piano Concerto is available as part of a 2cd set,on the Cypres label.

Back to Scott! :o ;D

I recently bought the Dutton cd of Scott's String quartets. I have now got around to listening to them properly,after an initial cursory spin,when the cd arrived,just to make sure it worked!
I have programmed Scotts First so I can listen to it on it's own. I am very impressed by what I am listening to & it strikes me as one of the best British string quartets,or at least,one of the most interesting. Scott always seemed more focused when he was composing instrumental or chamber music. If you find some of his music meanders a little too much,or too chromatic & mystical for you're taste,this is one of his most cohesive works. No spooky musing here,Scott just gets on with it. I particularly like those curious 'slithery' harmonies. An interesting and ear teasing effect. Not bad at all! Like it,like it!!! :) One of his best!

Quote from: Don on May 03, 2007, 09:20:04 PM
I have about 10 Scott cds, so I guess I qualify as a fan.  I find his music very interesting and recommend the Chandos orchestral series (3 discs so far) and the piano discs on Dutton (four volumes to date).

There is one Scott disc I've had trouble getting into - string quartets on Dutton.  More ascerbic than his norm, and I keep trying.

OOh,I like that one! ;D
I finally completed my collection of the complete piano works of Cyril Scott with Vol 3 about a month ago. Unfortunately,Dutton have deleted it,at least temporarily,so when a seller offered it at a reasonable price I just had to buy it!
After listening to all five volumes I would now be quite happy to place Scott amongst the most important & interesting British composers of music for this instrument.

I am now revisiting the Chandos cds of his orchestral music. Strangely enough,I am having no problems with the music this time around. Scott's orchestration positively glitters. A bit like an occult mix of Scriabin,Delius and Debussy;but with a more improvisatory feel to it. If you can immerse yourself in the flow and not worry about thematic developement and structure I think this music actually works very well.


Others may disagree,of course! ;D

Szymanowski also springs to mind (symphony No2),but I wouldn't like to compare the two. Anyway,as far as I know Szymanowski wasn't a part time occultist!

It strikes me that some familiarity with the likes of of Madam Blavatsky,Dion Fortune,the Golden Dawn (not the Greek one! :o ;D) Lobsang Rampa and Alexandra David-Neel probably helps you tune into Scott's shadowy,arcane realm. Not that I'm an avid reader of such authors,but I did read allot of stuff like that in my younger days,I'm afraid! ??? ;D Israel Regardie,Christopher Hyatt,Aleister Crowley,Lyall Watson (Supernature,The Romeo Error,Austin Osman Spare,Mac Gregor Mathers,etc,etc.........!!!! :o ??? Although,I don't think Scott was ever a member of the Golden Dawn like Arthur Machen of 'Great God Pan','Shining Pyramid','Angel of Mons' fame (He's another one & Welsh too! :)). Perhaps he should have been. They could have all met up and had a good old occult knees up!!

Incidentally,I just noticed a new book advertised on the Amazon website. 'The Aesthetic life of Cyril Scott' by Sarah Collins (Boydell Press 21 March 2013,280 pages). Advertised as the first comprehensive account of Scott's life and influences. A bit expensive for me at the moment,though (Yee-ikes!! ???).

Going back to the cds;while the standouts for most collectors are the First Piano Concerto,Third Symphony,Neptune,and to a lesser extent,'Early one morning';I particularly like the 'Fourth Symphony'. I love this darkly,mysterious score and I love the way he brings that theme back towards the end,bringing the whole symphony back,for me anyway ;D,a very satisfying conclusion. If the early comparisons with Debussy have any truth in them,this steelier sounding,impressionistic late score by the composer,is more akin to 'Jeux'! Anyway,again,I don't like to compare the two!! :( ;D (One being an acknowledged master.....and it's not Scott!).
I also enjoyed the Violin Concerto and Second Piano Concerto,this time around,and that bizarre 'Festival Overture' with that unexpected choir at the end. Most bizarre. Definately,a case for cracking out that Greek incense burner I've got in the cupboard! (My parents brought it back from one of their holidays in happier days....only my father left now! :().

Okay,let's get back to the innermost sanctum of my mystic temple and put me feet up and listen to some more!!

*bump*

I just listened to the Cello Concerto (Watkins) and I think Cyril Scott has gained another acolyte.  Amazing! This is indeed a majestic cello concerto! I was completely entranced!

Scott: Cello Concerto           Watkins/BBC Philharmonic/Brabbins

https://www.youtube.com/v/ZyLPwDSA1Qc

I can't believe I missed out the Cello Concerto from my previous post! Shome mistake,ed!! ??? ;D It strikes me as a more gripping work than the Violin Concerto I did mention. I like the Cello Concerto,too! A bit spooky in places. I'm not sure I'd want to listen to it with the lights out! I also enjoy his chamber and piano music which,imho,lifts Scott into the same orbit as composers like Bax,Bridge and Ireland;although not quite on the same level of inspiration as Bax or,particularly,Bridge,at his best. It is here that Scott strikes me as being an important figure in British music. His solo piano music being particularly satisfying and quite different to Bax or Ireland. His orchestral music is intriguing and often very compelling;but on the whole it seems to lack the consistency and focus of his work in smaller forms. The Dutton recordings were marvellous. A pity Chandos seem to have lost interest as there is allot more to explore. I enjoyed everything I listened to on those Chandos cds;although the inspirational level was not always consistent. The First Piano Concerto,Third Symphony,Neptune and Early one Morning tend to get the most mentions amongst music lovers;but I think the Cello Concerto and Fourth Symphony are equally compelling and I do rather like that wierd Festival Overture with that wacky chorus bit. Oh,and I actually do quite like the Second Piano Concerto,as well,when I'm in the right mood.

Quote from: cilgwyn on March 09, 2015, 05:50:28 AM
I can't believe I missed out the Cello Concerto from my previous post! Shome mistake,ed!! ??? ;D It strikes me as a more gripping work than the Violin Concerto I did mention. I like the Cello Concerto,too! A bit spooky in places. I'm not sure I'd want to listen to it with the lights out! I also enjoy his chamber and piano music which,imho,lifts Scott into the same orbit as composers like Bax,Bridge and Ireland;although not quite on the same level of inspiration as Bax or,particularly,Bridge,at his best. It is here that Scott strikes me as being an important figure in British music. His solo piano music being particularly satisfying and quite different to Bax or Ireland. His orchestral music is intriguing and often very compelling;but on the whole it seems to lack the consistency and focus of his work in smaller forms. The Dutton recordings were marvellous. A pity Chandos seem to have lost interest as there is allot more to explore. I enjoyed everything I listened to on those Chandos cds;although the inspirational level was not always consistent. The First Piano Concerto,Third Symphony,Neptune and Early one Morning tend to get the most mentions amongst music lovers;but I think the Cello Concerto and Fourth Symphony are equally compelling and I do rather like that wierd Festival Overture with that wacky chorus bit. Oh,and I actually do quite like the Second Piano Concerto,as well,when I'm in the right mood.

Ahh, it is refreshing to partake of your enthusiasm, Cilgwyn! I just happened to stumble across the cello concerto (I was having a YouTube listening bonanza exploration session) and was pleasantly surprised, charmed and inspired. Needless to say I have to explore the further works by Cyril Scott by reading this thread and, of course, listen as much as possible.   :)  It is always exciting to come across a composer that one is drawn to by pure serendipity. The soft, melancholic and dreamlike patterns seemingly omnipresent in Scott's music is very appealing to me.

Did you by any chance happen to listen to the recent Wallfisch recording of the cello concerto?

[asin] B00CE96HWK[/asin]

I must admit the reviews I have seen of that recording haven't exactly tempted me! I was rather hoping that Dutton would record some of his later music which I find more interesting. I'm also not exactly a fan of all these reconstructions and finishing off of things. There has been allot of discussion about this at the Art Music Forum and I tend to agree with them.

Quote from: cilgwyn on March 10, 2015, 06:36:29 AMI'm also not exactly a fan of all these reconstructions and finishing off of things.

+1

Am currently enjoying 'Neptume' a hauntingly atmospheric work. He has his own style but reminds me a bit of a cross between Bax and Delius.

Indeed! I have collected allot of his instrumental and chamber music,including all the Dutton releases. While I enjoy allot of his orchestral music,I believe that it is in instrumental and chamber music that Scott is at his finest. Very interesting and satisfying music,imho,that has been ignored too long,and in a purely British context,an important contribution to these forms. Amongst his orchestal output,Neptune is one of his best,along with the First Piano Concerto and third Symphony. These would be great for a Prom;but I fear the critics would maul them! I also like the steely,impressionism of his Fourth symphony very much,his Cello concerto,Early One Morning.......and the wierd and wacky Festival Overture is fun,when I'm in the right mood,for something a bit different!! I wish Chandos had recorded a bit more! :( That said,it is to his instrumental and chamber music I return the most. In fact,I've got a bit more in the post;coupled with some Bantock and an ambitious Violin Sonata by Roger Sacheverell Coke. The superb,recently released Somm cd of his piano music being greatly enjoyed here right at this very moment!

Was just listening to 'Early one Morning' on Lyrita, which is a delightful work. I must listen properly to symphonies 3 and 4. I like the CD below of chamber music:
[asin]B002VFCE8I[/asin]

I like allot of Cyril Scott's chamber and instrumental music. I think his best music in these areas. I love the slithery textures and fin de siècle sound world of this music on this particular cd;the later music becoming more austere;but,in it's own way,equally fascinating. His orchestral works,on the evidence available,tends to be more 'samey' in terms of the textures and soundworld. Although,I think,at it's best, some of the music;notably,the First Piano Concerto is,in it's own way,very original. His third symphony and Neptune are veritable showpieces for the orchestra. It is astonishing that music of such quality should have remained unheard for so long. I also like his Fourth Symphony;which with it's strange,steely,haunted soundworld. Parts of Early
One morning are quite ravishing.  His Cello Concerto is interesting,too. I find parts of it quite spooky. Not music I would want to listen to with the lights off! His Festival Prelude is less successful,but in  it's own way wierdly fascinating. That said,I do think it is in the areas of instrumental and chamber music that Cyril Scott actually excelled. I certainly find this area of his output every bit as enjoyable and interesting as that of his more well known and hallowed contemporaries.The Dutton cds of his chamber and instrumental music are particularly fascinating and I have listened to every one of them. The Chandos,Naxos and BMS (British Music Society) cds are also extremely interesting and enjoyable.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/61SQDATCQJL_zpszeqwn9gf.jpg)

More Cyril Scott! Lovely,lyrical music. The Piano Quartet is an early work & somewhat Brahmsian,but none the worse for it!

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/MI0001056384_zps5bh6jqsa.jpg)

Quote from: cilgwyn on January 30, 2017, 08:16:17 AM
I like allot of Cyril Scott's chamber and instrumental music. I think his best music in these areas. I love the slithery textures and fin de siècle sound world of this music on this particular cd;the later music becoming more austere;but,in it's own way,equally fascinating. His orchestral works,on the evidence available,tends to be more 'samey' in terms of the textures and soundworld. Although,I think,at it's best, some of the music;notably,the First Piano Concerto is,in it's own way,very original. His third symphony and Neptune are veritable showpieces for the orchestra. It is astonishing that music of such quality should have remained unheard for so long. I also like his Fourth Symphony;which with it's strange,steely,haunted soundworld. Parts of Early
One morning are quite ravishing.  His Cello Concerto is interesting,too. I find parts of it quite spooky. Not music I would want to listen to with the lights off! His Festival Prelude is less successful,but in  it's own way wierdly fascinating. That said,I do think it is in the areas of instrumental and chamber music that Cyril Scott actually excelled. I certainly find this area of his output every bit as enjoyable and interesting as that of his more well known and hallowed contemporaries.The Dutton cds of his chamber and instrumental music are particularly fascinating and I have listened to every one of them. The Chandos,Naxos and BMS (British Music Society) cds are also extremely interesting and enjoyable.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/61SQDATCQJL_zpszeqwn9gf.jpg)

From what I know of the chamber music I agree with you although the hypnotic 'chinese' Piano Concerto.1 remains my favourite work, followed by 'Neptune' and Symphony 3.

I think I'd probably place my choice in that order,too. Although I think I would extend it to include  the Fourth Symphony at fourth place!! ;D  Turn down the lights and it makes me think of all kinds of strange landscapes;even alien planets! I find it a bit spooky and unsettling,so I don't actually play it that much!! ???  Early One Morning rambles a bit,but it has some absolutely ravishing moments.As to the best of the rest!! I think the Cello Concerto has got something going for it. I need to listen to it again before saying anything about it;except to say that it gets a bit too spooky for me at one point! Unsurprising I suppose,considering Scott was into the occult! I'm not terribly keen on Cello concertos so I'm a bit surprised to react positively to that composition. I even,quite like the Second Piano Concerto,when I'm in the right mood! The Festival Prelude is wierd enough to enjoy............ now & again. I quite like that wacky chorus. I'm not so keen on the Violin Concerto,though!! So,all in all,I tend to agree with your "favourites" list. I'd just extend it a little further......... to the Fourth Symphony! A lone fan!! ;D I do think you have to be in the right mood for this music,though! VW,Bax,Moeran,Holst,Brian,Elgar and Delius (for example) all get played more readily and often! All said and done,it's the the chamber and instrumental music that makes the most return visits to my cd player. (When I'm playing cds of British instrumental and chamber music I usually end up playing Scott!) Some of it's quite progressive for a British composer of the time,so I think it deserves a bit more attention than it gets.

Quote from: cilgwyn on January 30, 2017, 02:02:11 PM
I think I'd probably place my choice in that order,too. Although I think I would extend it to include  the Fourth Symphony at fourth place!! ;D  Turn down the lights and it makes me think of all kinds of strange landscapes;even alien planets! I find it a bit spooky and unsettling,so I don't actually play it that much!! ???  Early One Morning rambles a bit,but it has some absolutely ravishing moments.As to the best of the rest!! I think the Cello Concerto has got something going for it. I need to listen to it again before saying anything about it;except to say that it gets a bit too spooky for me at one point! Unsurprising I suppose,considering Scott was into the occult! I'm not terribly keen on Cello concertos so I'm a bit surprised to react positively to that composition. I even,quite like the Second Piano Concerto,when I'm in the right mood! The Festival Prelude is wierd enough to enjoy............ now & again. I quite like that wacky chorus. I'm not so keen on the Violin Concerto,though!! So,all in all,I tend to agree with your "favourites" list. I'd just extend it a little further......... to the Fourth Symphony! A lone fan!! ;D I do think you have to be in the right mood for this music,though! VW,Bax,Moeran,Holst,Brian,Elgar and Delius (for example) all get played more readily and often! All said and done,it's the the chamber and instrumental music that makes the most return visits to my cd player. (When I'm playing cds of British instrumental and chamber music I usually end up playing Scott!) Some of it's quite progressive for a British composer of the time,so I think it deserves a bit more attention than it gets.

I have that Chandos series and your post has encouraged me to listen to works like Symphony 4 again; an interesting and worthwhile composer. I also like PC No.2 even though it is less approachable than the hypnotic No.1:
[asin]B000M5B6MO[/asin]
I remember my youthful excitement in taking the above (on LP - same cover for once) out of the record library in High Street Kensington, near to the home in London where I grew up. The combination of John Ogdon and Bernard Herrmann makes this an unforgettable disc.

I'll have a listen to the Second Piano Concerto No 2,soon. Scott certainly was prolific. I'm ploughing through all the chamber music cds I've got at the moment. The BMS cd seems to have disappeared,though. Annoying!! >:( ;D If I then go through all the Dutton cds of his piano music this could take a while! ;D I suppose some of the problem with Scott,at times,is a certain sameness of texture. There is someone on Amazon who seems to have reviewed almost all the Scott cds (you may know who I mean?) who points this as the main problem with his output. I think he has rather got his finger on it! Example! I just listened to the Naxos cd of Violin Sonatas. I DID enjoy listening to it,particularly the two later ones;but I can see what he means. Not that it's all bad news. I didn't actually find myself looking at my watch,or looking at the track timing,or wanting to take it off!! The soundworld Scott created kept me listening. He obviously had an ear for instrumental colour and that kept me listening. The downside! Not enough variety of expression,and without looking at the cd,would I be able to tell one Violin Sonata from another?

I'm listening to the Dutton cd of the Sonata Lyrica. Now this one grabs me right from the beginning. There are melodies and ideas which I can really get a grip on. Unlike the works on the Naxos cd I also get a feeling that it really is going somewhere. Also,Scotts exotic soundworld here really is enticing. Less shadowy and haunted than some other examples of his output. It's almost like some exotic garden,with the tendrils curling their sounds around your ear 'oles. (This gardens quite sunny and warm!) This really is a lovely piece of music imho! The other works on the cd are quite lovely and beautifully played. The violin playing really is quite gorgeous at times. Oooh! :)  The tunes really captivate. This is  one of the best of the Dutton cds and one of the releases that makes me feel that reviving this music really is worthwhile.  I think the Sonata Lyrica,in particular,is a bit of a find! I don't mean it's a lost masterpiece,but it's music that some people will really enjoy. Me included! ;D Catchy artwork,too! To paraphrase you,"I can't stop listening!"

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51uZvk4yLZL_zps2tcxq7rt.jpg)

Verdict: Play it again Thyril!! ;D :)

Quote from: cilgwyn on January 31, 2017, 04:50:51 AM
I'll have a listen to the Second Piano Concerto No 2,soon. Scott certainly was prolific. I'm ploughing through all the chamber music cds I've got at the moment. The BMS cd seems to have disappeared,though. Annoying!! >:( ;D If I then go through all the Dutton cds of his piano music this could take a while! ;D I suppose some of the problem with Scott,at times,is a certain sameness of texture. There is someone on Amazon who seems to have reviewed almost all the Scott cds (you may know who I mean?) who points this as the main problem with his output. I think he has rather got his finger on it! Example! I just listened to the Naxos cd of Violin Sonatas. I DID enjoy listening to it,particularly the two later ones;but I can see what he means. Not that it's all bad news. I didn't actually find myself looking at my watch,or looking at the track timing,or wanting to take it off!! The soundworld Scott created kept me listening. He obviously had an ear for instrumental colour and that kept me listening. The downside! Not enough variety of expression,and without looking at the cd,would I be able to tell one Violin Sonata from another?

I'm listening to the Dutton cd of the Sonata Lyrica. Now this one grabs me right from the beginning. There are melodies and ideas which I can really get a grip on. Unlike the works on the Naxos cd I also get a feeling that it really is going somewhere. Also,Scotts exotic soundworld here really is enticing. Less shadowy and haunted than some other examples of his output. It's almost like some exotic garden,with the tendrils curling their sounds around your ear 'oles. (This gardens quite sunny and warm!) This really is a lovely piece of music imho! The other works on the cd are quite lovely and beautifully played. The violin playing really is quite gorgeous at times. Oooh! :)  The tunes really captivate. This is  one of the best of the Dutton cds and one of the releases that makes me feel that reviving this music really is worthwhile.  I think the Sonata Lyrica,in particular,is a bit of a find! I don't mean it's a lost masterpiece,but it's music that some people will really enjoy. Me included! ;D Catchy artwork,too!

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51uZvk4yLZL_zps2tcxq7rt.jpg)

Verdict: Play it again Thyril!! ;D :)

More of my money draining away I suspect.  ::)

I didn't actually acquire this one until later,because the remainder of the cd,with the exception of the Tallahassee Suite (and the Fantasie Orientale) seemed to consist of shorter fill-ups (possibly a bit light weight?). To my surprise this is one of the best ones. Some of Scott's music has that shadowy,fin de siècle soundworld (sometimes a bit murky) that might put some people off. This one is more sunny. Exotic yes,but more like a sunny garden with a nice temple,perhaps. Maybe some pieces are a bit better than others,but the violin playing,in particular  makes some quite ravishing sounds. And of course,it's the way the two instruments seem to entwine around each other,like those plant tendrils I was referring to. I like the other cds I listened to,particularly the String Quartets,but this one has more appeal,I would say. Lovely! I just wish I had an exotic garden and temple to go with it. Or even just a garden! Now where's my pneumatic drill?!! ??? :( ;D

Quote from: cilgwyn on January 31, 2017, 05:17:59 AM
I didn't actually acquire this one until later,because the remainder of the cd,with the exception of the Tallahassee Suite (and the Fantasie Orientale) seemed to consist of shorter fill-ups (possibly a bit light weight?). To my surprise this is one of the best ones. Some of Scott's music has that shadowy,fin de siècle soundworld (sometimes a bit murky) that might put some people off. This one is more sunny. Exotic yes,but more like a sunny garden with a nice temple,perhaps. Maybe some pieces are a bit better than others,but the violin playing,in particular  makes some quite ravishing sounds. And of course,it's the way the two instruments seem to entwine around each other,like those plant tendrils I was referring to. I like the other cds I listened to,particularly the String Quartets,but this one has more appeal,I would say. Lovely! I just wish I had an exotic garden and temple to go with it. Or even just a garden! Now where's my pneumatic drill?!! ??? :( ;D

Have ordered it. Found a copy for £5.99 so don't feel too guilty.  8)

Oh,dear! Let's hope you enjoy it! I'm still listening,though. The sound of that volin is so seductive,particulary those high notes (I'm not a musician,so I don't know the technical term) when the violin seems to sing out. I feel like one of those charmed snakes. Although snake charmers don't use violins,of course. The Tallhassee Suite and Fantasie Orientale are a case in point. Example! In the latter: After an excited double dotted fanfare "the violinist then unfolds a hypnotic,oriental sounding melody,floridly decorated". This,apparently similar in mood to Roxana's Aria from King Roger (Szymanowski). Some of the pieces are not quite on the same level as others,but the playing is always wonderful. I suppose a critic might sneer at some of the pieces as salon music,but who cares if it's this enjoyable.

I've put this on now. I know you like this one.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51XOK4sEn7L_zpsaltazo1d.jpg)

There really are some truly arresting sounds in the Piano Trio No 1. (I haven't got to the other works yet!) For example,those 'chinese' sounds from the piano in the second movement. It's simply chock full of interesting sonorities and ear tickling sounds. Wonderful. And a real feeling of momentum. You're always going somewhere. It's works like this that make me think that,at his best,Scott's chamber music is as worthwhile as that of,say,Bax! First recordings,too. Ridiculous,really.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51XOK4sEn7L_zpsaltazo1d.jpg)

Quote from: cilgwyn on January 31, 2017, 07:42:35 AM
I've put this on now. I know you like this one.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51XOK4sEn7L_zpsaltazo1d.jpg)

Yes, great cover image too.

Indeed! :) I think my favourite piece on the cd is the Piano Trio No 1. Remarkable that such good music should have been ignored for so long. Incidentally,when I was a younster one of my ambitions was to become a lighthouse keeper!! ::)

My Cyril Scott jam continues with his piano music. I played the piano sonatas,yesterday. This 2cd set today. I may be alone in this,but I find some of his piano music quite fascinating. Full of interesting ideas and sounds and,imo,very pleasant to listen to while reading,writing or......whatever?!!

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51ZYMPWJT5L_zpszlv7vqnc.jpg)

I also had a lighthouse Keeper fantasy. Love the pianist's name!  8)

The disappearances at Flannan Isle only made me want to be one even more! ;D

With respect to his piano music. A particularly appeal of Scott,if you like his music,is his penchance for exotic places and subject matter. Of course these places were very remote and mysterious at the time. No package tours! Unsurprisingly,they're closer to the fantasy of the original Lost Horizon (a favourite movie of mine) the mysterious monks and pagodas in those old Rupert the Bear Books or the jungle of those old cliffhanger serials,than the actual places they are supposed to evoke;but all the more fun for it! I particularly like some of the suites. Especially the longer ones.

My Cyril Scott marathon continues! ??? ;D

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51ZVHJ6XTZL_zpscrqxglwf.jpg)

Quote from: vandermolen on February 01, 2017, 05:31:29 AM
Love the pianist's name!  8)

(http://orig00.deviantart.net/b6aa/f/2011/060/b/3/leslie__s_death_stare_by_rezurii_chan-d3aphjt.jpg)

Ok, my tasteless off-centered / wrong-gender post is now over.
Carry on.

Quote from: Dundonnell on January 30, 2008, 03:07:47 AM
Cyril Scott's other concerti-for Oboe, Harpsichord, Violin/Cello, for example-will remain unrecorded for now.

Well, actually the Harpsichord and Oboe concerti have been recorded now!

Ony Volume 5 to go and I'll have listened to all the Dutton,Chandos and Naxos cds of his chamber and instrumental music!! Phew! They seem to get better as they go on imo! So far,I've never experienced the urge to press stop on the remote,or eject on the mini hi-fi,which means I'm actually enjoying listening to this,not just forcing myself to listen through a pile of cds by a 'neglected' composer (although,not on cd,apparently?) like a contestant on one of those Japanese endurance shows. I actually find some of this music just as enjoyable as Bax and Ireland. I wouldn't say Scott is better though. Just different! The piano music is particularly fascinating. It's so varied,and I do love that escapist music about faraway places that composers used to come up with in the early years of the last century. I also like the artwork chosen for some of those earlier Dutton releases. This is a particularly good example.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/MI0001146432_zpsucqcwstv.jpg)

Vol 5,now. The last volume in the Dutton Complete piano music series. The music seems to get more and more interesting and enjoyable as the series progresses,imho. I might need a break from Cyril Scott now,though! Maybe some Mozart operas? I haven't decided yet.

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/MI0001191984_zpst2arkjq7.jpg)

The 1974 D'Oyly Carte recording of Iolanthe,with dialogue,actually!!

(http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r688/dinasman/51iFXmNBSPL_zpsonghutxh.jpg)

The Sonata Lirica is very good - a dreamy, poetic and captivating score. In fact I enjoyed the whole Dutton CD so thanks cilgwyn for alerting us to it.

Thank goodness! I was a bit worried when I heard you'd splashed out on it;thinking you might not enjoy it! I thought this was a stand out in my Cyril Scott chamber and piano marathon. Not hugely profound,I suppose;but I thought that it had melodic and lyrical profile which stood out from the crowd. The first bars just seem to draw you in. It's also nice,compact,and knows when to stop. The violin part really did it for me,though. It really teases the ear! The entire cd is ear candy throughout! I also like the artwork! (The Chandos cd was another stand out!)

While Chandos and Dutton/Epoch, among others, have brought a great splash of his music out on CD, there seems to have been a slowing-down of late for Cyril Scott releases.
As far as I have researched, the following pieces are still not available:

Orchestral
===========================
Lyric Suite, Op. 6 (1900)
Heroic Suite, Op. 7 (c. 1900)
Christmas Overture (c. 1900)
Aglavaine et Sélysette, overture, Op. 21 (c. 1902)
Rhapsody for orchestra No. 1, Op. 32 (1904)
Philomel, for cello and orchestra (c. 1925)
Double concerto for violin, cello and orchestra (1926)
The Melodist and the Nightingale, for cello and orchestra (1929)
Concertino for two pianos and orchestra (1931)
Double concerto for two violins and orchestra (1931)
Passacaglia Festevole, for two pianos and orchestra (c. 1935)
Ode descantique, for string orchestra (c. 1940)
Hourglass Suite, for chamber orchestra (c. 1949)
Concerto for oboe and strings (1946)
Concertino for bassoon, flute and strings (1951)
Sinfonietta for organ, harp and strings (1962)
Egypt, ballet suite (1913)
Britain's War March (orch. Version) (1914)

Chamber
=============================
Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 3 (c. 1899)
String Quartet, Op. 12 (c. 1900)
Sextet for piano and strings, Op. 26 (c. 1903, rev. 1914 as Quintet,
  -performed and later withdrawn)
String Quartet, Op. 28 (c. 1903)
String Quartet in F major, Op. 31 (c. 1904)
String Quintet No. 1 (1919)
Divertimento for String Quartet, 1920;
Quintet for flute, harp, violin, viola and cello (1926)
Sonatina, for solo guitar (c. 1927) (commissioned by Andrés Segovia)
Idyll, solo violin (1928)
String Trio No. 1 (1931)
String Trio No. 2 (1949)
Piano Quintet No. 2 (1952)
String Quintet No. 2 (1953)
Piano Trio No. 3 (1957)
String Quartet No. 3 (1961)
Flute Sonata (1961)
Trio Pastorale for flute, cello and piano (1961)

Ballet
==============
The Incompetent Apothecary (1923)
Karma (1924)
Masque of the Red Death (1930)

Incidental music
=======================
    Othello (1920)
    Return to Nature (1920)
    Smetse Smee (c. 1925–26)
    Susannah and the Elders (1937)

Choral
======================
Nativity Hymn (R. Crashaw), chorus, orch, 1913;
La belle dame sans merci (J. Keats), Bar, chorus, orch, 1916;
The Ballad of Fair Helen of Kirkconnel (trad.), Bar, orch, 1925;
Rima's Call to the Birds (W.H. Hudson), S, orch, 1933;
Mystic Ode (A. Lundy, C. Scott), chorus, orch, 1933;
Let us Now Praise Famous Men, chorus, orch, 1935;
Ode to Great Men (Scott), T, orch, 1936;
Hymn of Unity (Scott), solo vv, chorus, orch, 1947;

^ a few of these, such as the Oboe Concerto, are on Youtube in live performances

The piano music:  huge chunks of those compositions have been issued on several CD's, but about a dozen are still unreleased.

He composed over 100 songs.  Which of these are available I didn't look into.

If there are any orchestral or chamber pieces I've missed,
please feel free to note it.

I believe some scores were destroyed in WWII, so that's that.

I personally would love to have the majority of those issued in me lifetime, but that hope - like the Titanic of his (early work) Disaster at Sea, is doomed.

Quote from: Scion7 on December 03, 2022, 08:40:30 PMWhile Chandos and Dutton/Epoch, among others, have brought a great splash of his music out on CD, there seems to have been a slowing-down of late for Cyril Scott releases.
As far as I have researched, the following pieces are still not available:

Orchestral
===========================
Lyric Suite, Op. 6 (1900)
Heroic Suite, Op. 7 (c. 1900)
Christmas Overture (c. 1900)
Aglavaine et Sélysette, overture, Op. 21 (c. 1902)
Rhapsody for orchestra No. 1, Op. 32 (1904)
Philomel, for cello and orchestra (c. 1925)
Double concerto for violin, cello and orchestra (1926)
The Melodist and the Nightingale, for cello and orchestra (1929)
Concertino for two pianos and orchestra (1931)
Double concerto for two violins and orchestra (1931)
Passacaglia Festevole, for two pianos and orchestra (c. 1935)
Ode descantique, for string orchestra (c. 1940)
Hourglass Suite, for chamber orchestra (c. 1949)
Concerto for oboe and strings (1946)
Concertino for bassoon, flute and strings (1951)
Sinfonietta for organ, harp and strings (1962)
Egypt, ballet suite (1913)
Britain's War March (orch. Version) (1914)

Chamber
=============================
Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 3 (c. 1899)
String Quartet, Op. 12 (c. 1900)
Sextet for piano and strings, Op. 26 (c. 1903, rev. 1914 as Quintet,
  -performed and later withdrawn)
String Quartet, Op. 28 (c. 1903)
String Quartet in F major, Op. 31 (c. 1904)
String Quintet No. 1 (1919)
Divertimento for String Quartet, 1920;
Quintet for flute, harp, violin, viola and cello (1926)
Sonatina, for solo guitar (c. 1927) (commissioned by Andrés Segovia)
Idyll, solo violin (1928)
String Trio No. 1 (1931)
String Trio No. 2 (1949)
Piano Quintet No. 2 (1952)
String Quintet No. 2 (1953)
Piano Trio No. 3 (1957)
String Quartet No. 3 (1961)
Flute Sonata (1961)
Trio Pastorale for flute, cello and piano (1961)

Ballet
==============
The Incompetent Apothecary (1923)
Karma (1924)
Masque of the Red Death (1930)

Incidental music
=======================
    Othello (1920)
    Return to Nature (1920)
    Smetse Smee (c. 1925–26)
    Susannah and the Elders (1937)

Choral
======================
Nativity Hymn (R. Crashaw), chorus, orch, 1913;
La belle dame sans merci (J. Keats), Bar, chorus, orch, 1916;
The Ballad of Fair Helen of Kirkconnel (trad.), Bar, orch, 1925;
Rima's Call to the Birds (W.H. Hudson), S, orch, 1933;
Mystic Ode (A. Lundy, C. Scott), chorus, orch, 1933;
Let us Now Praise Famous Men, chorus, orch, 1935;
Ode to Great Men (Scott), T, orch, 1936;
Hymn of Unity (Scott), solo vv, chorus, orch, 1947;

^ a few of these, such as the Oboe Concerto, are on Youtube in live performances

The piano music:  huge chunks of those compositions have been issued on several CD's, but about a dozen are still unreleased.

He composed over 100 songs.  Which of these are available I didn't look into.

If there are any orchestral or chamber pieces I've missed,
please feel free to note it.

I believe some scores were destroyed in WWII, so that's that.

An interesting and helpful list. The PC No.1 (especially in the wonderful Herrmann/Ogden recording) is a great favourite as is 'Neptune'. There is a fine Chandos CD of chamber music as well.

One problem is the confusion on how compositions are listed - the New Grove, the offial-ish Scott website, etc., sometimes don't agree.  What is needed is a good, scholarly up-to-date biography.  Hope one is in the works by somebody ...

I also like his Cello Concerto - I think it's on an album with Bax but going off memory. 

Quote from: relm1 on December 05, 2022, 05:34:22 AMI also like his Cello Concerto - I think it's on an album with Bax but going off memory. 

Quote from: relm1 on December 05, 2022, 05:34:22 AMI also like his Cello Concerto - I think it's on an album with Bax but going off memory. 

Yes, I agree, it's a fine, dreamily atmospheric work. Thanks for the recommendation.

Well, well - has anyone read this?

https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781783272860/the-cyril-scott-companion/

I like her 1974 album a tad more than the recent stuff by De'ath, Schäfer and Gvetadze.  A more delicate touch.  Piano Sonata No.1, Five Poems, Danse Negre and LotusLand.  It's available on CD along with other composers' pieces.  Excellent notes on the backside, btw.

(https://i.postimg.cc/WzP1FXjD/Front-LP-red.jpg)

Quote from: Scion7 on December 08, 2022, 08:46:09 AMI like her 1974 album a tad more than the recent stuff by De'ath, Schäfer and Gvetadze.  A more delicate touch.  Piano Sonata No.1, Five Poems, Danse Negre and LotusLand.  It's available on CD along with other composers' pieces.  Excellent notes on the backside, btw.

(https://i.postimg.cc/WzP1FXjD/Front-LP-red.jpg)

Slightly tangentially - I was recently listening to the piano music of William Baines and the only kind-of-equivalent (certainly in British music) I could come up with was Cyril Scott.  The most obvious influence on Baines (who died at 23 so not really time to find his own unique voice) was Debussy.  But it is very beautiful music.

Quote from: Scion7 on December 06, 2022, 04:00:42 PMWell, well - has anyone read this?

https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781783272860/the-cyril-scott-companion/

Yes, and it's bloody excellent: meticulously researched, well illustrated with photographs and music examples and as many appendices as you could possibly envisage. It's huge and weighs a ton but hernias can be treated...

The four volumes of orchestral music on Chandos conducted by Martyn Brabbins are just superb and give us all four symphonies, the two mature piano concertos, the violin and the (second) cello concertos, together with various other works all beautifully performed and recorded, and the cover designs are gorgeous as well. Once you get used to Scott's "vertical" harmony you realise that the nickname "The English Debussy" is just bloody rubbish - Scott is Scott. Supplement the Chandos discs with the Dutton release of the early piano and cello concertos and the overture "Pelleas and Melisanda" and you've got a good library. A major gap is the large-scale choral "Nativity Hymn" (1913), but here are a few things: "La belle dame sans merci" (c.1915-17) and extensive excerpts from the opera "The Alchemist" (1917-18) which really deserves a full recording (with its ring of dancing gnomes, a palace popping up out of nowhere and a giant egg, staging might be beyond the resources of most opera companies)...

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/xmgdyohwugsl2/Scott,+Cyril+(1879-1970)

 :)

 

Yes, there is a great chunk of his music out there, but sooo much more left unissued.  Worries me we'll never see it.

Quote from: Scion7 on December 11, 2022, 03:18:43 PMYes, there is a great chunk of his music out there, but sooo much more left unissued.  Worries me we'll never see it.

I fear that this may well be the case, and Dutton have deleted the discs of piano music. "The Melodist and the Nightingales" for cello and orchestra (1929), the harpsichord concerto (1938) and the oboe concerto (1946) are also worth having...

 :)

Although there are still many gaps in Scott's discography, it is at least now possible to obtain a reasonable overview of his orchestral and concertante works:

Symphony No.1 (1899) - Chandos CHAN 10452
Pelleas and Melisanda, overture (1900) - Dutton CDLX 7302
Piano Concerto in D (1900) - Dutton CDLX 7302
Cello Concerto (1902) - Dutton CDLX 7302
Festival Overture (1902-29) - Chandos CHAN 10407
Aubade (1905-11) - Chandos CHAN 10407
Three Symphonic Dances [Symphony No.2] (1907) - Chandos CHAN 10407
Two Passacaglias on Irish Themes (1912) - Marco Polo 8.223485
Piano Concerto ["No.1"] (1913-14) - Chandos CHAN 10376
Violin Concerto (1925) - Chandos CHAN 10407
The Melodist and the Nightingales, for Cello and Orchestra (1929) - Dutton CDLX 7326
Early One Morning, for Piano and Orchestra (1930-62) - Chandos CHAN 10376
Neptune (1933-35) - Chandos CHAN 10211
Symphony No.3, The Muses (1937) - Chandos CHAN 10211
Cello Concerto [No.2] (1937) - Chandos CHAN 10452
Harpsichord Concerto (1938) - Lyrita REAM2139
Oboe Concerto (1946) - Dutton CDLX 7249
Symphony No.4 (1951-52) - Chandos CHAN 10376
Piano Concerto ["No.2"] (1958) - Chandos CHAN 10211
Neapolitan Rhapsody (1959) - Marco Polo 8.223485

Most of these have only been released in the last couple of decades and great thanks is due to Martyn Brabbins and Martin Yates in particular for enabling us to explore this wonderful music.

 :)

Quote from: cilgwyn on February 01, 2017, 04:59:59 AMIndeed! :) I think my favourite piece on the cd is the Piano Trio No 1. Remarkable that such good music should have been ignored for so long. Incidentally,when I was a younster one of my ambitions was to become a lighthouse keeper!! ::)

My Cyril Scott jam continues with his piano music. I played the piano sonatas,yesterday. This 2cd set today. I may be alone in this,but I find some of his piano music quite fascinating. Full of interesting ideas and sounds and,imo,very pleasant to listen to while reading,writing or......whatever?!!

I agree with cilgwyn here. I enjoyed the 1st Piano Trio very much, which happily being the longest work on the CD. Need to spend some time with the 2nd. As for the two works with clarinet, maybe I'm missing something, note spinning nothing more.
Scott is a frustrating composer as I think he could have been such a lot more. Listening to three minutes of simple loveliness of Cornish Boat Song proves this, I think.