For Collectors of British Music
P. Edwin | Fukushima, Japan | 06/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There is no hidden masterpiece here. This is pleasant late Victorian British music played pleasantly. Cowen was one of those gifted children who played piano and composed at a young age. Ho wrote six symphonies, numerous oratorios, operas and operettas, chamber music, but a lot of his music has not survived. The sixth symphony has no surprises. It is tuneful and easy on the ear. The first movement is especially pleasing.
Coleridge-Taylor is better represented on disc. This symphony is a student work, and while it gives some insight into his better known scores, it remains a student work.
I personally enjoy listening to neglected British composers, and make a habit of collecting these neglected works when they appear on disc, and for those with a similar disposition, there is some light, but charming music here to be enjoyed. Good, closely recorded orchestra sound, which suits this music. It probably rates four and a half stars."