Alan Bush: Lascaux Symphony
Recorded: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 15-16 May 2012
Sam Hutchings (piano)
Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Martin Yates
Alan Bush: Lascaux Symphony
Recorded: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 15-16 May 2012
Sam Hutchings (piano)
Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Martin Yates
Purchase product
About
Alan Bush’s orchestral music almost spans the twentieth century, and Dutton Epoch’s third CD exploring Bush’s music includes two vivid earlier orchestral works − dating from the 1930s and 1950s − together with the Lascaux Symphony, his fourth. All of them are delightful finds. The symphony, inspired by the celebrated cave paintings at Lascaux, France, is an especially cherishable discovery. In the Dance Overture, Op.12, which dates from the 1930s, the basic rhythm is a slow foxtrot while the second subject tune is almost worthy of Malcolm Arnold. The Dorian Passacaglia & Fugue, Op.52 for orchestra was written in 1959 and appeared at the Proms in 1964. The high point of Bush’s tuneful, nationalistic style, an earlier critic wrote of it: “The theme is striking, and the variations are handled superbly,” leading to a glorious ending. The Lascaux Symphony, Op.98 was first performed in 1986. A four-movement work on a big scale, it addresses significant philosophical as well as musical issues with bold memorable themes and brilliant orchestral writing.
Contents and tracklist
- Alan Bush, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
- Alan Bush, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
- Alan Bush, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
- Alan Bush, Royal Scottish National Orchestra