Rodney Newton: Orchestral Music, Volume One
The English musician Rodney Newton (b.1945) earned his living as an orchestral timpanist and percussionist, becoming known primarily for his works for brass bands. Until now his substantial output for orchestra has remained completely unknown. This first recording of two early symphonies reveals a composer with a natural sense of melody, drama and colour, and a strong feeling for landscape, in the tradition of such earlier British symphonists as Vaughan Williams and Arnold. The tone poem Distant Nebulae, inspired by Charles Ives’ The Unanswered Question, reflects the vastness of the heavens in music of understated beauty and elegance.
Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra
Andrea Šestaková, violin (Track 2)
David Llavata, trumpet (Track 8)
Paul Mann, conductor
Listen To This Recording:
-
Symphony No. 1 (1967–69)
- I Lento – Allegro – Meno mosso – Allegro assai
- II Lento ma con moto
- III Allegro con brio
- I Metamorphoses: Lento – Allegro energico
- II Elegy: Lento
- III Scherzo malevolo: Allegro vivo – Andante – Tempo primo – Moderato
- IV Passacaglia, Variations and Epilogue: L’istesso tempo – Poco piu mosso – Tempo Primo – Adagio – Largo
- Distant Nebulae
Symphony No. 4 (1975)
Distant Nebulae (1979)
FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
they [Málaga Philharmonic] play excellently under guest conductor Paul Mann, and the top-flight recording copes well with the extremes of dynamic encountered in the Symphony No. 4. […]
Well, galactic or not, this is a splendid CD that deserves to succeed on many fronts.’
—Jim Westhead, MusicWeb International
Classical Lost and Found :
‘[Paul Mann] whips the Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra’s talented musicians into energetic, totally committed performances of the symphonies. Maestro Mann then delivers a highly sensitive, carefully judged interpretation of the tone poem, which is perfectly in keeping with Newton’s oneiric music.
Suffice to say, all [of the recordings] amazingly consistent, robust, sonic images in warm surroundings.’
—Bob McQuiston, Classical Lost and Found
Brass band World :
‘This CD shows a composer and orchestrator with ingenuity and originalit. […]
The Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra is a fine professional ensemble with no weaknesses and a sense of enjoyment in the playing, a feature not always so obvious in orchestras these days. Paul Mann’s conducting delivers a persuasive musical argument and the recording is clear in tutti, with the accomplished solo players given prominence. The CD booklet is well-presented with informative biographies and programme notes. An excellent release featuring a wonderful composer.’
—Peter Bassano, Brass band World
Arcana.FM :
‘Does it all work?
Very largely. That the First Symphony is a ‘starting out’ piece does not lesson its undoubted appeal, and it clearly commended itself to the Málaga Philharmonic players who render it with relish. […]
Is it recommended?
Indeed. The sound is spacious and well-focussed (if just a touch overbearing at climaxes), while Newton contributes an informative and personable booklet note. As with Steve Elcock and Matthew Taylor, one looks forward to further symphonic odysseys from this source.’
—Richard Whitehouse, Arcana.FM