Composer: Various
Works: English Dance No. 5 (Arnold), Fantasia on Greensleeves (Vaughan Williams), Anvil Chorus from Il trovatore (Verdi), The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach), Easter Hymn (Mascagni), Let the bright Seraphim (Handel), Air on a G string (Bach), Romance from The Gadfly (Shostakovich), Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco (Verdi), Bailero from Songs of the Auvergne (Canteloube), Cum Sancta Spiritu from Petit Messe solennelle (Rossini), March of the Little Lead Soldiers (Pierné), Popular Song from Façade (Walton), Perpetuum Mobile (J. Strauss II), Chanson de Matin (Elgar)
Performers: Hallé Orchestra and Hallé Choir, Pamela Coburn (soprano), conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes
Recording: Recorded at Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, July 1984 and Studio 7, Broadcasting House, Manchester, July 1985
Label: Classics for Pleasure
Much Loved Music compiles an eclectic array of classical pieces, expertly curated to appeal to both seasoned listeners and those new to the genre. With works ranging from the melodic simplicity of Elgar’s Chanson de Matin to the robust choral harmonies of Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, this collection serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classical music’s most beloved works. Each piece, while distinct in its historical and stylistic context, contributes to a cohesive listening experience that reflects the rich tapestry of Western classical traditions.
The performances, under the baton of Owain Arwel Hughes, reveal a commendable effort in ensemble cohesion and interpretative clarity. Pamela Coburn’s soprano shines particularly in Handel’s Let the bright Seraphim, where her luminous tone and precise articulation elevate the piece’s jubilant character. The final choral section, “Let their celestial concerts,” demonstrates a commendable blend of voices, although one notes occasional discrepancies in ensemble tightness, particularly in the lower strings. The Hallé Choir’s execution of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, while charming, could benefit from a more robust dynamic range, as the interpretation leans towards the gentler side, rendering it somewhat less impactful than other renditions that embrace a more exuberant phrasing.
Recording quality is consistently high, with a clear balance between orchestral forces and vocalists, allowing for an engaging listening experience. The engineering captures the nuances of orchestral color, particularly in the tender moments of Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Greensleeves, where the lush string textures are beautifully rendered. However, the choice of tempo in this work might be deemed excessively languid, resulting in a loss of the emotional immediacy that characterizes the piece. This is a crucial aspect where the recording diverges from more spirited interpretations, such as those by Sir Adrian Boult, which imbue the music with a sense of urgency and warmth.
Notably, the March of the Little Lead Soldiers by Gabriel Pierné emerges as a delightful surprise, executed with a sensitivity and delicacy that captures the whimsical essence of the piece. This performance stands out amidst the more well-trodden repertoire, showcasing the Hallé Orchestra’s ability to navigate less frequently performed works with poise. The inclusion of Shostakovich’s Romance from The Gadfly adds a modern touch, albeit the orchestral colors do not resonate with the same depth as in the composer’s more prominent symphonic works.
The sleeve notes, while brief, touch on the dichotomy of serious and popular music since the 17th century, providing a contextual framework that is appreciated, if somewhat shallow. For listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of the repertoire, more extensive liner notes may have enhanced the experience.
Much Loved Music is an enjoyable compilation that successfully straddles the line between accessibility and musical integrity. While it may not challenge the seasoned aficionado with groundbreaking interpretations, it offers a well-rounded selection that serves as an ideal introduction to classical music’s rich landscape. The Hallé Orchestra and Choir, alongside Pamela Coburn, deliver a commendable performance that, despite its minor imperfections, celebrates the enduring allure of these beloved compositions.
