Charles O’Brien: Complete Orchestral Music, Volume Three
The rediscovery of the music of the Edinburgh composer Charles O’Brien (1882–1968) continues with this third CD of his orchestral music. The explicitly Scottish Ellangowan Overture contrasts splendid Caledonian vistas with some wonderfully catchy tunes, and in the two suites O’Brien skilfully combines a naturally symphonic voice with an unexpected sense of fun.
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
Paul Mann
Listen To This Recording:
- Ellangowan: Concert Overture, Op. 10 (1909)
- I Tendresse
- II Joie de vivre
- III Jeunesse
- IV Extase
- I Marche fantastique
- II Au Théâtre
- III Barcarolle
- IV Danse bohémienne
Waltz Suite, Op. 26 (1928)
Suite Humoristique, Op. 8 (1904)
First Recordings
Andrei :
Best music ever .. oldies & goodies .. so relaxing
MusicWeb International :
‘Liepāja may be a long way from Scotland but under the direction of Paul Mann the orchestra certainly evokes its spirit in this performance. … The Suite humoristique is the earliest work here. Despite its title it’s a more profound work than the Waltz Suite, though charming and approachable. Like the other works it receives what I take in the absence of comparisons to be an idiomatic performance. The recording is good, especially in 24-bit format.’
—Brian Wilson, MusicWeb International
MusicWeb International :
‘Over the last few years, Charles O’Brien has ceased to be an undiscovered composer. Toccata have presented listeners with three CDs of orchestral music and two of his piano works. Listeners now have an opportunity to assess the achievement of this impressive Scottish composer. I am not sure what other music exists in the composer’s catalogue: songs, chamber music etc. I do know that all the orchestral music has been recorded: this is a considerable achievement.’
—John France, MusicWeb International