Arnold Conducts Arnold

The magnificent Malcolm Arnold interprets his own work.

Composer: Arnold
Repertoire: Symphonies Nos 1, 2 & 5; Tam O’Shanter; Peterloo; Beckus the Dandipratt; Concerto for Two Pianos (three hands); et al.
Artists: Various Orchestras/Arnold
Rating: 5/5

Genre: Orchestral

Label: EMI Classics 382 1462

Fans of the late, great Malcolm Arnold will rush to grab this ‘twofer’ even if they already have the essential items on disc one – a compilation issued in 1991 containing the First Symphony, Concerto for Two Pianos, Tam O’Shanter and others. Disc two, however, has a recording of Symphony No.2 that has not seen the light of day since its brief appearance on LP in 1955; this is Arnold’s ‘Pastoral’ Symphony, a lovely work altogether. Together with Beckus the Dandipratt, Peterloo and Symphony No.5, it demonstrates what an unmatched interpreter this genius was of his own music.