Arnold Rosner: Orchestral Music, Volume Three
The musical language of the New York-based Arnold Rosner (1945–2013) had its roots in the modal harmony and rhythm of pre-Baroque polyphony and evolved in an array of unusual directions, producing a style that is instantly recognisable and immediately appealing – as can be heard in the three works on this recording. Rosner’s Nocturne suggests the immensity – and the implacable violence – of outer space, whereas his overture Tempus Perfectum has its starting point in Renaissance dance. The monumental Sixth Symphony opens with music of volcanic ferocity and vehemence; the central Adagio then provides an island of troubled calm before the dignified opening of the finale presages a symphonic Allegro of wild, freewheeling energy; only when its immense force is spent does this powerful masterpiece sink to an uneasy close.
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Nick Palmer
Listen To This Recording:
- Nocturne, Op. 68 (1978)
- Tempus Perfectum: A Concert Overture, Op. 109 (1998)
- Symphony No. 6, Op. 64: I Allegro agitato
- Symphony No. 6, Op. 64: II Adagio
- Symphony No. 6, Op. 64: III Grave Allegro Grandioso Listesso tempo Grave
Symphony No. 6, Op. 64 (1976)
FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
‘Throughout this CD the recording is truly splendiferous and the playing of the LPO is virtuosic beyond praise. It must be wonderful to hear these pieces performed live by this top-notch orchestra under the baton of a committed conductor, such as we have here in Nick Palmer. The booklet is detailed and informative in both biographical and musical detail. Toccata Classics are to be congratulated and praised for this release, consisting as it does entirely of first recordings. I look forward to others in the series.’
—Jim Westhead, MusicWeb International
WTJU :
‘Each one [of works here is] a masterwork, and each (in my opinion) deserving more performances. […]
Rosner’s Sixth Symphony has a terrifying strength to it. But it’s one that’s greatly dependent on the performance. This performance is first-rate. And I was completely engaged from start to finish. Nick Palmer and the London Philharmonic Orchestra has the power — and the musicianship — to deliver the drama and majesty of this work.
Will there be a volume four? I hope so.’
—Ralph Graves, WTJU
Gramophone :
‘This is Toccata Classics’ fourth CD of music by the American Arnold Rosner (1945-2013), and I think it is the best so far. […]
The back-cover description of the 38-minute Sixth Symphony (1976) as ‘monumental’ might seem a little over-the top (the term is more usually applied to Mahler’s, Bruckner’s or the longer Shostakovich symphonies), but when you hear Rosner’s music you will understand exactly why. The monumentality here is not about length or even orchestral power, of which it has bucketloads, but expressive content. The symphony has a feeling of immensity, from the outer movements’ volatility to the central Adagio’s ‘troubled calm’, to the turbulent climax and spent coda. The performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Nick Palmer are eloquent and virtuoso in equal measure, and Jonathan Allen’s sound is unobtrusively sensational. Strongly recommended. ‘
—Guy Rickards, Gramophone
Classical Lost and Found :
‘As on the previous volume in this series (see Toccata-465), the performances by up-and-coming, award-winning, American conductor Nick Palmer and the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) are first-rate. Together they make a strong case for more of Rosner’s sagaciously constructed, brilliantly scored works.’
—Bob McQuiston, Classical Lost and Found