William Alwyn

[Irons]

Nothing wrong with paying one's respects.

It provides a tangible connection to someone you admire but only knew abstractly.

"Connection" is the right word. Something more then listening to the music. Two for the price of one in the case of Mr and Mrs Alwyn.

[vandermolen]

On Friday I was showing my History of Art class a very old BBC TV documentary about the sculptor Henry Moore and I was pleased to note that the music was written by William Alwyn. I would imagine that they used existing chamber works by Alwyn rather than the music being specially composed for the documentary, but I may be wrong.
Here is the TV programme:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZAde-PBoD8

Henry Moore's own work has occasionally been featured on LP/CD sleeves:

[Irons]

On Friday I was showing my History of Art class a very old BBC TV documentary about the sculptor Henry Moore and I was pleased to note that the music was written by William Alwyn. I would imagine that they used existing chamber works by Alwyn rather than the music being specially composed for the documentary, but I may be wrong.
Here is the TV programme:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZAde-PBoD8

Henry Moore's own work has occasionally been featured on LP/CD sleeves:

Enjoyed the documentary, Jeffrey. I have admired his work at Snape Maltings which is as far as my knowledge of Henry Moore goes. Alwyn's score is far too good to be just incidental music written for a television programme.

[vandermolen]

Enjoyed the documentary, Jeffrey. I have admired his work at Snape Maltings which is as far as my knowledge of Henry Moore goes. Alwyn's score is far too good to be just incidental music written for a television programme.

Yes, I agree Lol and I'm glad that you enjoyed the TV programme.
I like discovering, by accident, music that I've only come across when showing documentaries to my students; examples are the start of Britten's Violin Concerto (used as introductory music for an old BBC Schools TV programme on 20th Century History) and an extract from Copland's 'Statements for Orchestra' used as part of a fascinating, collage-like, programme about the Great Depression in the USA and the Wall Street Crash ('Buddy can you spare a dime?'). I once watched a documentary about Henry Moore which used Lutostawski's 'Concerto for Orchestra' and one about the Finnish Architect Alvar Aalto which made effective use of Klami's 'Kalevala Suite'.

[kyjo]

Was recently listening to this splendid disc:



The Oboe Concerto (accompanied by strings and harp) is an enchanting composition - dare I say I prefer it to RVW's? And the three Concerti Grossi are all splendidly concise yet meaty works - there's not a hint of desiccated neoclassicism about them. Despite their obvious tonal grounding there are passages of dark chromaticism throughout which are quite gripping. I particularly loved the prominent writing for trumpet and timpani in No. 1, and No. 2 could be counted amongst the great English works for string orchestra. No. 3 closes unexpectedly with a desolate, sorrowful slow movement, which at 7 minutes in length is the most extended movement in all three works. Just wonderful music all-around, in committed and full-bodied performances.

[foxandpeng]

Was recently listening to this splendid disc:



The Oboe Concerto (accompanied by strings and harp) is an enchanting composition - dare I say I prefer it to RVW's? And the three Concerti Grossi are all splendidly concise yet meaty works - there's not a hint of desiccated neoclassicism about them. Despite their obvious tonal grounding there are passages of dark chromaticism throughout which are quite gripping. I particularly loved the prominent writing for trumpet and timpani in No. 1, and No. 2 could be counted amongst the great English works for string orchestra. No. 3 closes unexpectedly with a desolate, sorrowful slow movement, which at 7 minutes in length is the most extended movement in all three works. Just wonderful music all-around, in committed and full-bodied performances.

Excellent, Kyle, thank you. Once I've digested the Lloyd Jones releases, the Hickox are next on the playlist.