Search - Arthur Bliss, Vernon Handley, Richard Hickox :: Sir Arthur Bliss: Checkmate Suite; Hymn to Apollo; Quintet for Clarinet & Strings; Pastoral

Best Bargain Bliss

Geoffrey Brock | London United Kingdom | 01/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who have not yet discovered the music of Sir Arthur Bliss, former Master of the Queen's Music, this is an excellent introduction.The Music for Strings is a moving piece, not unlike the Elgar Inroduction and Allegro in style, although in the singular language that can only be Bliss. Under Hickox and the Northern Sinfonia, it is very moving.The Checkmate suite is, I think, the best introduction for those who wish to explore Bliss' music. Easily approachable, with gorgeous scrunchy chords and near-dissonances, and vital lively rhythms. It is wonderfully played by Handley and the Ulster Orchestra.The Hymn to Apollo is rarely performed (or indeed recorded) nowadays, and is good to have this brilliant piece available again, especially when is it so movingly performed by Hickox and the UO.The Clarinet Quintet, too, is not often heard, and this excellent performance by Janet Hilton and the Lidsay Quartet is particularly well recorded.The Pastoral "Lie strewn the white flocks" is typical of Bliss' sound world and once heard the haunting music is never forgotten. Again, the recording is excellent.All this on 2 CD's for the price of one - how can you not buy it?"