JOHN McCABE:
Edward II Ballet in 2 Acts.
Royal Ballet Sinfonia Barry Wordsworth.
Hyperion CDA67135/6 114m DDD.

The subject of Edward II makes extremely good material for a dramatic production and John McCabe's symphonic-cum-balletic rendition of it can be counted amongst his finest works to date. At times it reminded me of the more overtly romantic works by Feeney (Dracula etc) but the bitingly percussive nature of the music ensures that the whole dramatic sweep of the plot is maximized with a certain element of chilling power. The ballet is set in two large acts that are essentially symphonic in argument although one can imagine certain elements of the score as highly descriptive. Each act is divided into five scenes and both are just less than an hour in length with the first being slightly more involving, at least in my humble opinion! The detailed notes and synopsis by Guy Rickards will provide the would-be purchaser with an extremely clear background and a painstakingly complex analysis of the score - essential reading for the McCabe enthusiast. At this stage, it would be sufficient to report that the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Barry Wordsworth are under the skin of this score and bring a flair to what is indeed an orchestral tour-de-force as many of McCabe's works are. Edward II promises to be one of the composer's best works so far and its strongly tonal base provides for a wider audience that may sample the originality of this music with greater relish. The recording, in Walthamstow Assembly Hall is as close to perfection as one could ever get with the immense power of the score coming across equally well alongside the more intimate details. I cannot but recommend this issue wholeheartedly and eagerly await a recording of 'Mary, Queen of Scots', another outstanding ballet by the same composer.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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