William Wordsworth: Orchestral Music, Volume Four
The music of William Wordsworth (1908–88) – a great-great-grandson of the poet’s brother Christopher – lies downstream from that of Vaughan Williams and Sibelius; like that of his contemporary Edmund Rubbra, Wordsworth’s music unfolds spontaneously, as a natural process. This fourth volume of his orchestral works presents four works which are all symphonic studies in essence, each remarkable for its unassertive strength of purpose and its suggestion of a sense of scale beyond its actual dimensions – perhaps in part a reflection of the majesty of the Scottish Highlands where he made his home, and of the quiet resolve of his own character.
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
John Gibbons, conductor
Līga Baltābola, violin (Track 10)
Listen To This Recording:
- A Spring Festival Overture, Op. 90 (1970)
- Allegro largamente –
- Poco stringendo –
- Allegro con brio –
- Tempo 1 –
- Sostenuto –
- Largamente –
- Tempo 1
- Jubilation: A Festivity for Orchestra, Op. 78 (1965)
- Confluence: Symphonic Variations, Op. 100 (1976)
Symphony No. 7, Cosmos, Op. 107 (1980)
FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
‘John Gibbons and the orchestra have the measure of this music. I wonder what the redoubtable Liepäja Symphony Orchestra make of Wordsworth, whose music would be new to them. Toccata Classics often use this fine Latvian ensemble. They play with considerable stylistic understanding, obviously communicated by John Gibbons who clearly enjoys exploring unusual repertoire. He so often does that in his role of principal conductor of the Worthing Symphony Orchestra.’
—Gary Higginson, MusicWeb International
Classical Lost and Found :
‘As on the preceding volume, British conductor John Gibbons leads the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for these performances. That said, the LSO’s lead violinist, Līga Baltābola, gets credit for her sensitive playing in Confluence… […]
The Symphony… recording was done during February, 2021, and the others were made the following June. All took place in the Great Amber Concert Hall, Liepāja, Latvia, and consistently present a generous sonic image in agreeably reverberant surroundings.’
—Bob McQuiston, Classical Lost and Found
MusicWeb International :
‘The orchestration [in Jubilation: A Festivity for Orchestra] is a masterclass in instrumental colour, with especially vibrant writing for the brass. […]
Other critics have noted how the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra have “Wordsworth’s music completely in their bloodstream and sound as if they have been playing it for decades.” I cannot fault the playing in any way. As these are all “first recordings,” it is not possible to compare them with anything. Certainly, the performances of all four compositions strike me as competent, sympathetic and commanding. […]
I look forward to further issues in this series, with, hopefully, the missing Symphony No.6. John Gibbons has told me that it has never been performed. […]
As noted above, the liner notes are superb. They give all the information that is required to appreciate this music. Conway has successfully contextualised this repertoire into the composer’s life and times.’
—John France, MusicWeb International
Arcana.FM :
‘Is it recommended?
Indeed. The playing of the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra is comparable to that on earlier volumes, while John Gibbons directs with his customary ear for detail and care for balance. Hopefully a fifth volume, perhaps including the hitherto unheard Sixth Symphony, will not be long in coming.’
—Richard Whitehouse, Arcana.FM