Symphony no 2
Instrumentation Chamber Orchestra (2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, strings) |
Other Information 3 movements The Central England Ensemble has performed the work at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham (2001), at a Queen´s Jubilee concert (2002) and twice in Paris at the American Cathedral and American Church in 2007. Two performances by the Orchestra of the University of Oldenburg, conducted by Rida Murtada, were given in Bremen and Oldenburg, Germany, in 2002. ´The Symphony no.2 Op. 30 is a splendid work. It is a very fine score noted for its clarity and textural integrity. Its quasi-classical design leads to an even greater enjoyment. It is a score with life and a contrast that is so well-judged that it does not sound episodic. The opening movement begins with a flute solo in a typical Downes´s style, simple but telling. In fact, the themes of this movement are memorable. The rhythmic sections are invigorating and beautifully set out for the orchestra. The Vivace starts lightly with deceptively simple themes which make them all the more endearing; there are some clever contrasts and a welcome open-air feel about the music. The finale also has simple themes but they are never banal. The preoccupation with the interval of the fourth has an integral part to play and there is a simply stunning fanfare-like passage before the quiet close.´ Dr David Wright, MUSICWEB
|