Composer: John Rutter, Richard Rodney Bennett, Malcolm Arnold, David Fanshawe, William Blezard, Michael Hurd, Paul Lewis
Works: Partita, Suite Française, Padstow Lifeboat March, Fantasy on Dover Castle, Battersea Park Suite, Dance Diversions, A Miniature Symphony
Performers: Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Gavin Sutherland (conductor)
Recording: ASV CD WHL 2131
Label: ASV
The latest installment in the ASV series, “British Light Music Discoveries 4,” continues its laudable mission of unearthing delightful compositions that fall outside the standard repertoire of British light music. This collection features a diverse array of works from notable British composers, each embodying a unique facet of the genre’s charm. The inclusion of John Rutter’s “Partita” is particularly significant, representing his foray into the orchestral realm, while the other pieces—by Richard Rodney Bennett, Malcolm Arnold, David Fanshawe, William Blezard, Michael Hurd, and Paul Lewis—provide a rich tapestry of musical styles and inspirations.
The performances by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia under the adept baton of Gavin Sutherland are strikingly vibrant. Each work receives a thoughtful interpretation that highlights its inherent character. Rutter’s “Partita,” with its buoyant rhythms and lyrical melodies, is played with a clarity and precision that brings forth its dance-like qualities. This first recording of the “Partita” effectively captures the essence of Rutter’s signature choral style while adapting it for orchestral forces, revealing a nuanced interplay of voices and instruments that is both refreshing and engaging. The rhythmic vitality of Hurd’s “Dance Diversions” is similarly infectious; particularly memorable is the fourth movement, which unfolds with a lyrical grace that showcases the orchestra’s dynamic range.
Malcolm Arnold’s “Padstow Lifeboat March,” orchestrated by Philip Lane, provides a spirited contrast. Its brass-heavy textures and buoyant themes are delivered with an infectious exuberance that invites the listener into the heart of the seaside community it depicts. The engineering quality of the recording enhances these brass passages, allowing their brilliance to shine without overwhelming the more delicate string sections. When juxtaposed with Fanshawe’s “Fantasy on Dover Castle,” the recording’s clarity becomes even more apparent. Fanshawe’s work, inspired by a channel gale, evokes a sense of heroism marked by turbulent sonorities and a surprising ethnic flair, demonstrating the composer’s ability to blend his British influences with broader cultural sounds.
William Blezard’s “Battersea Park Suite,” with its whimsical homage to various park attractions, is a delightful auditory journey. Each of the six movements evokes vivid imagery, from the coconut shy to the miniature railway, and Sutherland’s direction ensures that the orchestral color and textural variety are fully realized. The agility of the strings and the playful interplay between woodwinds and brass are executed with both finesse and a palpable sense of joy. Paul Lewis’s “A Miniature Symphony” serves as an apt conclusion, its five-minute duration offering a compact yet charming pastiche that is both elegant and entertaining.
The recording quality itself merits commendation; the balance is exemplary, allowing each instrument to speak distinctly while contributing to a cohesive whole. The sound engineering captures the warmth and brightness of the orchestral sound, making for an engaging listening experience that invites repeated hearings. This collection stands as a testament to the richness of British light music, revealing the depth of its contributions to the broader classical canon.
The Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Gavin Sutherland have once again succeeded in elevating these works with their spirited performances, ensuring that this volume of “British Light Music Discoveries” not only entertains but also informs. Each composition, with its historical context and distinct voice, is presented with a clarity that invites appreciation of the genre’s diversity. This recording is a commendable addition to any collection, poised to appeal to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike, celebrating the oft-overlooked gems of British light music.
