This new release from Divine Arts twins
Vaughan Williams’ great Second Symphony, the
London (revised
version), with the
Celtic Dances by the Welsh composer,
William Mathias. Owain Arwel Hughes conducts the National
Youth Orchestra of Wales in extremely well-played and impressive
performances.
The
London Symphony opens with
a great sense of atmosphere, and although this may not be
the most gripping, exciting and harrowing recording available,
it is nonetheless brilliantly performed. Hughes keeps the
piece well-paced – neither rushing ahead, nor allowing the
orchestra to linger too much. The result is a very well-judged
and safe version, with admirable technical playing from the
orchestra. Unnecessary risks are avoided – just as one would
hope for and expect from a top youth orchestra. This performance
also boasts an inspiring climax in the slow movement, with
radiant sound and a wonderful sense of wonder and awe. The
playing throughout is assured and confident – excellent.
The only small criticism one might make is that the sound
of the recording from St David’s Hall is possibly a little
boxy, and the strings are, on occasion, a little thin; not
quite as rich or sonorous as one might like.
Mathias composed his
Celtic Dances in
1972, saying that his new piece was “intended to evoke an
area of feeling largely associated with the mythological
past”. The four Dances that comprise the work are here given
accomplished performances. The music – sometimes sounding
a little more exotic than Celtic – is lively and engaging,
with a strong rhythmic drive and a great sense of fun – particularly
in the final movement,
Allegro con slanico. This work
makes a good, strong ending to an excellent disc.
This is an admirable pairing and not just
for the sound rendition of the Vaughan Williams’
London Symphony,
but also for the unusual and pleasing addition of Mathias’s
winsome
Celtic Dances to conclude the disc.
Em Marshall
National
Youth Orchestra of Wales/Owain Arwel Hughes
