Alan Rawsthorne’s 1938 Symphonic Studies (his “concerto for orchestra” in all but name) was the work that first brought him to note as one of the leading British composers of his generation. This taxing yet rewarding work, set in one single movement containing five thematically linked sections, enjoyed some short-lived currency in Britain’s concert halls during the aftermath of World War II, and it’s good to see it receiving such strong advocacy on this new Naxos issue. The performance, from the English Northern Philharmonia conducted by David Lloyd-Jones, goes for maximum impact and tonal variety, capturing the changing nuance and atmosphere of the closely linked episodes to good effect.
This disc also includes world premiere recordings of two Rawsthorne concertos. The Oboe Concerto of 1945 is alluring if a little less imposing than Vaughan Williams’ concerto for the instrument, but the richness and diversity of the thematic material, coupled with a solo part (capably realized by Stéphane Rancourt) of considerable virtuosity, makes for an enjoyable listening experience. The Cello Concerto, written exactly 20 years later, is a major addition to the catalog, and a further important link in the evolution of the British lyric cello concerto genre. And it would be hard to imagine a performance of greater finesse and refinement than this, from Alexander Baillie. Another milestone for British music on disc, and further testimony to Naxos’ continuing commitment in this area. Recommended.
