Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley - Bantock: Thalaba the Destroyer & Other Orchestral Works (2001)

Tracklist

01. The Song of Songs: Prelude
02. Omar Khayyám: Prelude
03. Omar Khayyám: Camel Caravan
04. Caristiona
05. Processional
06. Thalaba the Destroyer: I. Introduction. The Powers of Evil. Mesto e lugubre
07. Thalaba the Destroyer: II. Zeinab's Theme. Molto più lento
08. Thalaba the Destroyer: III. Thalaba's Theme. Allegro con fuoco
09. Thalaba the Destroyer: IV. Oneiza's Theme. Moderato sostenuto
10. Thalaba the Destroyer: V. Thalaba's Fatal Languor. Poco lento
11. Thalaba the Destroyer: VI. Wedding and Brief Happiness of Love. Meno mosso
12. Thalaba the Destroyer: VII. Death of Oneiza. Appassionato con dolore
13. Thalaba the Destroyer: VIII. Thalaba Wanders Desolately Amid the Tombs. Molto lento
14. Thalaba the Destroyer: IX. Thalaba Sets Out Again on His Mighty Quest. Poco allegro
15. Thalaba the Destroyer: X. Thalaba's Death, and Reprise of Oneiza's Theme. Poco più lento
16. Thalaba the Destroyer: XI. Evil Lost for Ever
17. Thalaba the Destroyer: XII. The Last Ecstasy of Faith and Love. Pesante e risoluto

Hyperion's mini-series of Granville Bantock's orchestral music has won innumerable plaudits from press and public alike since the 'Hebridean' and 'Celtic' symphonies appeared on CDA66450 in 1991. This fifth CD will add weight to the growing feeling that the rich and romantic music of this composer should be heard more often than it is. All six of the pieces on this disc are first recordings. The major work is 'Thalaba the Destroyer', based on a poem by Victorian Poet Laureate, Robert Southey. This is the work's first performance since 1901—and only its fourth performance ever.

As before, all six works are dashingly conducted by Vernon Handley and resplendently recorded by Tony Faulkner.

All of the music on this album is also available as part of the specially priced box set Bantock: Orchestral Music: ‘What an achievement! Bantock's lavish romanticism is superbly served by both artists and recording team. Discovery after discovery’ (MusicWeb International).

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