Search - Malcolm Arnold, Andrew Penny, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland :: Sir Malcolm Arnold: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

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Samuel Stephens | TN, USA | 08/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I know it's cliche to say this, but Malcolm Arnold should be in the repertory of every orchestra. His music is perfect for the concert-going audiences who crave original, tonal, and melodic music. Arnold fulfills those requirements. But even better than that, his music doesn't sound like it as written for an 19th Century audience. This is music that sounds and speaks to our time (with no pointless avant garde-ish psycho-babble to be seen).



Arnold's first two symphonies are his most immediately accessible. Symphony No.1 speaks in a stern and heroic tone. His Symphony No.2 is the real masterpiece, however. The music starts off softly and takes us into a gorgeous development of thematic material, infused with not a small dose of Jazz-esque 1920's sexiness. The 'Vivace' movement that follows heightens the drama, the 'Lento' is very moving, and the finale will have you wanting to drive your car at top speed (please don't, though).



Andrew Penny and the Ireland orchestra play superbly, especially where it matters most: strong brass and woodwinds. I enthusiastically recommend this not only to you the purchaser, but I also recommend that you spread the word: give this CD to family, friends, and relatives for the holidays.



PROPHECY: Zadok The Priest will buy this CD!"

Fan of Malcolm Arnold

Hayward H. Siegel | East Meadow, New York United States | 09/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can listen to Symphonies of Malcolm Arnold all day. The 1st & 2nd Symphonies commenced Arnold's cycle of nine symphonies. They, like the other seven symphonies, contain great music. Firstly, I will not rate the quality of the recording, because I have heard no other recordings of Arnold's Symphonies, other than under the baton of Andrew Penny. I shall only speak about my impression of the music. Arnold has the ability to intertwine two different themes, go from energetic to tranquil themes, and from loud to soft sounds, with ease. You just never really know what is going to be heard next. He can develop one theme, then go to a second theme, and then go back to the first theme, all without pausing the music. The constant anticipation of what will be heard next, is one big reason for my enjoyment of Arnold's music. The orchestration in these two symphonies, follows Arnold's pattern of using all sections of the orchestra, throughout the symphony. Again, you don't know what will happen next, with regard to the orchestration. Both symphonies are very listener friendly. Like all of Arnold's symphonies, other than the 9th, which does not follow the pattern of his other symphonies, there are lively finales. I guess that is the only thing that will not surprise you, when listening to Arnold's symphonies"