I have had this record transferred for some time, and it came to mind while working on the Sauter-Finegan post of last week. The bandleaders' breakthrough recording of "Doodletown Fifers" reminded me of one of Malcolm Arnold's English Dances (specifically, the fifth), as done here by Sir Adrian Boult and the London Philharmonic.
Aha, I thought - could this be artistic "borrowing" in one direction or the other? But now that I look at the timeline, such a connection is unlikely.
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| Arnold in 1948 |
Arnold's English Dances were published in 1950 and 1951. "Doodletown Fifers" was taped in 1952. But as far as I can tell, the Arnold pieces were not recorded until mid-1953, by the Philharmonia Orchestra and Robert Irving.
So while it's possible Sauter and Finegan saw the music or heard a performance of the Dances before their recording date, it's more likely that this is a coincidence.
You are welcome to investigate on your own via the aural evidence contained in this November 1954 traversal of the Dances from Boult and the LPO. I certainly recommend doing so; these are among Arnold's most famous and felicitous pieces, wonderfully memorable items that will brighten your day. The performances and Kingsway Hall sound are very good.
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| The English Decca cover |
The awkward American cover above has good Sir Adrian recoiling from the sight of a chinless Elizabethan maid being courted by a fellow materializing from a pea-green fog. Boult appears to holding a cigar stub or worse; it is actually the handle of his baton. Instead of this strange tableau, the English were offered an image of the composer framed by an herbal garland emanating from England's green and pleasant land below.
Links (Apple lossless):
ReplyDeletehttps://mega.co.nz/#!yJdnzJJR!CmtF4OOFX7iItj5q-EN-IwVs6f4ABD0iKTNCZ12JKEY
http://www.mediafire.com/download/3k30t2c8919bz74/Arnold_-_English_Dances_(LPO_-_Boult).zip
It's uncanny how our respective eclectic tastes match, Buster. I was all over the Sauter-Finegan recently, and I love this one too. Malcolm Arnold, while he wrote concertos and such, was really a master of "light" music in various formats, and these look like another good example. And the mention of Kingsway Hall makes me feel nostalgic, as I unexpectedly found myself living there during one summer in London years ago, and it's no longer used for recording.
ReplyDeleteMalcolms Arnold and Bax are two of my favorite Brit composers, so I welcome this addition to my little library and say thanks!!! Buster. I got to see Kinsgsway Hall back in the 70s and had no idea it was a recording spot for such wonderful fare...but I was only 17 at the time and probably didn't pay attention to our tour leader.
ReplyDeleteJAC and DonHo - You folks are very lucky to have seen (and lived in!) Kingsway Hall, my own favorite recording location! Thanks for writing, as always.
ReplyDeleteArnold's music is fantastic. He knew so well all instruments that all his compositions 'sound' well at once.
ReplyDeleteSo well shaped music !! I have recorded his recorder concerto with Michala Petri, that remains in my mind a special moment. Thanks Buster for this LP under the great Boult.
Buster you are doing the Lord's work bringing these from the shadows. I thought you were just a cool guy who digitized and shared old forgotten records. I see now you also have a keen eye for art and graphic design criticism.
ReplyDeleteTo me though it looks more like Adrian is standing in an alleyway against a graffiti covered wall, submitting to an out-of-frame mugger sticking him up for his stogie. :=)
centuri - Thanks! I remember Michala Petri from when she first recorded, which must have been in the late 70s. I wonder if I have that recording of the Arnold concerto....
ReplyDeleteMichael - Thanks to you as well. LPs are often praised for their design, but the artwork often is clumsy.
Hi Buster, no this is a new recording with City Chamber Orchestra of HKong (I will start soon my 7th season as chief conductor there....). I would be delighted to send you that CD if you wish. We also have recorded a CD with Evelyn Glennie to be released in the coming months.....About Michala, I think that concerto for written for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you Buster.
ReplyDeleteRich
New link (Apple lossless):
ReplyDeletehttps://mega.nz/#!qVVSAQIB!CmtF4OOFX7iItj5q-EN-IwVs6f4ABD0iKTNCZ12JKEY