Composer: Malcolm Arnold
Performers: National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
Conductor: Andrew Penny
Recording date: February 21-22, 2000
Recording Venue: National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland
Record Label: NAXOS
Catalogue Number: 8.552001
Running Time: 63.55
Like a cabinet of curios, the oeuvre of Malcolm Arnold presents a collection of intriguing musical treasures. The dual volume in review, NAXOS 8.552001, features two of the late 20th-century British maestro’s distinct musical landscapes: Symphony No. 7 (1973) and Symphony No. 8 (1978). The performances by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland under the meticulous baton of Andrew Penny were executed in the composer’s presence, lending an undeniable authenticity to them.
Arnold’s Symphony No. 7 offers a journey of melancholic exploration. Its movements form a narrative imbued with a sense of the stern but also the sublime. The orchestra navigates these sinewy musical paths with convincing sagacity, maintaining a commendable balance between explicit expression and textured subtlety.
The Symphony No. 8, on the other hand, exhibits a different, more audaciously experimental aspect of Arnold’s compositional voice. The distinctiveness of this symphony lies in its wild coalescence of rhythms and timbres, from unbridled percussive invasions to delicate whispered motifs. It’s an inquisitive, sometimes baffling musical dialogue that demands attention and rewards with a sonic experience like no other.
Under Penny’s direction, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland’s performances could be best described as organically meticulous. The pacing adopted throughout both symphonies allows the lyrical nature of Arnold’s composition to shine through whilst maintaining an undeniable command over Arnold’s diverse stylistic contours. Each shift from brooding depths to windswept pinnacles is seamlessly executed, with a depth of craftsmanship that pays extraordinary tribute to the composer’s inventiveness.
The CD’s recording quality, remarkably, matches the performances’ dynamism. The sound balance showcases the warm sonorities of the string sections and crispness of the woodwinds with clarity, making it an optimal listening experience for any ardent lover of Arnold’s compositions. The distinct character of both symphonies is well-captured and allows for a fully immersive listening experience.
The only slight discord comes with the absence of liner notes offering context or some interpretative guidance. This could result in some listeners not fully appreciating the depth and range of Arnold’s compositions.
In conclusion, this Naxos release is a laudable recording of two of Malcolm Arnold’s masterworks, captured with an intimate understanding of the melodic architecture of each symphony. It’s an encounter with a master composer’s unique path through orchestral sonority, and a recording worth adding to any discerning listener’s collection.
