Adrian Boult, Arthur Bliss - Tippett: Symphony No. 2 / Bliss: Music For Lighter Mood (1956/58) [2016]

The world première of Tippett's Second Symphony, Sir Arthur Bliss conducting his own music

"This is a must-have CD for all aficionados of British music" - MusicWeb International


These two recordings, both in excellent sound quality, are presented here in their entirety as broadcast in 1956 and 1958 on BBC radio. As far as I can ascertain, they have never been issued before. I have included the unfortunate "false start" referred to in the notes above, with Boult abandoning the first movement after about two minutes and twenty seconds, for historical interest. Likewise the somewhat stilted discussions between presenter Ronald Fletcher and Sir Arthur Bliss (and Lady Bliss) will I'm sure be of interest to many.

In both cases good live sound has, with XR remastering, produced superb orchestral tone throughout. I've been able to compensate for a handful of very short tape dropouts in the Tippett and eliminate a number of coughs from a generally quiet Royal Festival Hall audience. The Bliss was clearly recorded in front of a studio audience, who refrain from applause and remain exceptionally quiet. The venue is not known at this stage but would most likely have been one of a handful of larger BBC radio studios equipped to accommodate a full orchestra and small to medium audience - the orchestra was based at the Camden Theatre at the time and this is certainly a possible venue for this broadcast.

Andrew Rose

Tracks:

TIPPETT Symphony No. 2 (world première)
BLISS March: Welcome The Queen
BLISS March from 'Things to Come'
BLISS Checkmate (excerpts)
BLISS Theme and Cadenza for violin and orchestra
BLISS Overture: Edinburgh

Personnel:

Sir Adrian Boult, conductor
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sir Arthur Bliss, conductor
Alfredo Campoli, violin
BBC Concert Orchestra