The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Ronald Corp - Howells & Corp: Cello Concertos (2015)

Tracklist

01. Cello Concerto: I. Fantasia: Tranquillo, Assai Andante
02. Cello Concerto: II. Threnody: Lento Calmato, Assai Teneramente
03. Cello Concerto: III. Finale: Allegro Vigoroso
04. Two Pieces for Small Orchestra Op. 20: I. Puck's Minuet
05. Two Pieces for Small Orchestra Op. 20: II. Merry-Eye
06. Cello Concerto: I. First Movement
07. Cello Concerto: II. Second Movement
08. Cello Concerto: III. Third Movement

Cellist Alice Neary’s championship of Herbert Howells’ three-movement Cello Concerto (now in a performing edition by Jonathan Clinch) and conductor Ronald Corp’s own recent Cello Concerto make for a rewarding coupling in the best Dutton Epoch tradition. The Howells, now heard complete for the first time, is a glorious and expansive score from the mid-1930s and the RSNO and Alice Neary rise to its pastoral romanticism and bittersweet half-lights with characteristic brio and understanding. Howells’ two atmospheric encores, Merry Eye and Puck’s Minuet, complete a fully satisfying programme.

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