Arnold Cooke - Orchestral Works (Nicholas Braithwaite)

Information

Composer: Arnold Cooke

1. Concerto in D for string orchestra: I. Allegro
2. Concerto in D for string orchestra: II. Andante sostenuto
3. Concerto in D for string orchestra: III. Allegro
4. Symphony No. 1: I. Allegro moderato
5. Symphony No. 1: II. Scherzo: Molto vivace
6. Symphony No. 1: III. Lento, ma non troppo
7. Symphony No. 1: IV. Allegro
8. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: I. Introduction
9. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: II. The Devil's Dance
10. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: III. Fiddle Polka
11. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: IV. Waltz
12. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: V. Dance of Devils
13. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: VI. Slow Dance
14. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: VII. Percussion Dance
15. Jabez and the Devil, ballet suite: VIII. Finale

London Philharmonic Orchestra
Nicholas Braithwaite, conductor

Dates: 1974 (8-15), 1988 (1-3), 1989 (4-7)
Label: Lyrita
http://www.wyastone.co.uk/cooke-symphony-no-1-jabez-and-the-devil-suite.html

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Review

Lyrita comes up trumps again with this portrait of an unsung Briton

The first of Arnold Cooke’s five symphonies was completed in 1947 and premiered under Sir Adrian Boult in a BBC broadcast two years later. At first glance both the home tonality and formal plan might imply a nod or two towards Walton’s First Symphony from the previous decade. However, it doesn’t take very long to discover that the most fruitful influence is that of Hindemith (Cooke’s teacher at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik from 1929 to 1932); anyone who responds to the German master’s Mathis der Maler, Symphony in E flat or Symphonia serena should most certainly lend an ear. Closer to home, annotator Calum MacDonald also perceives a timeless, deep-rooted quality in Cooke’s fad-free music that suggests a kinship with Rubbra (witness the long-breathed polyphony of the heartfelt slow movement). In sum, a work of impeccable resourcefulness, cogent argument and affecting sincerity that invites and repays repeated listening.

The symphony is flanked by the 1948 Concerto in D for string orchestra (a bracingly assured, big-hearted essay in three movements, which features some grateful writing for the section principals) and a splendidly colourful and diverting 18-minute suite from the 1959 ballet Jabez and the Devil (eventually staged at Covent Garden in September 1961). Kenneth Wilkinson’s 1974 Kingsway Hall sound in the latter boasts fabulous bite and presence still, but the two other works (taped in 1988-89) have likewise been ripely captured by the microphones, and Nicholas Braithwaite helms the LPO with scrupulous care and infectious commitment throughout. Definitely one for the “want” list!

-- Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone

More reviews:

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/June07/Cooke_SRCD203.htm

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/May07/Cooke_symphony1_SRCD203.htm
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Nov07/Cooke_SRCD203.htm

http://www.allmusic.com/album/arnold-cooke-conceto-in-d-for-string-orchestra-jabez-and-the-devil-suite-symphony-no-1-mw0001853324

http://www.amazon.com/Arnold-Cooke-Concerto-Orchestra-Symphony/dp/B000OCZ1O4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

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Arnold Cooke (4 November 1906 – 13 August 2005) was a British composer. As a composer Cooke was highly productive but tended to work in traditional genres. He composed six symphonies, several concertos, copious chamber music including a clarinet quintet and five string quartets, many instrumental sonatas, and some important vocal music. Throughout his career, his music seems to show the influence of Hindemith, leavened with a more English sense of lyricism. Two of his symphonies and other orchestral works were recorded by Lyrita, whilst the Clarinet Quintet and Concerto were recorded by Hyperion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Cooke

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Nicholas Braithwaite (born 26 August 1939, London) is an English conductor. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, at the Festival masterclasses in Bayreuth, and with Hans Swarowsky in Vienna. Braithwaite is probably best known to audiences for leading performances of more than 70 operas at various world venues. Although only held the post in minor orchestras, he has made recordings with world-renowned such as the London Philharmonic, London Symphony and the Philharmonia. Braithwaite has also served as the Dean of Music at the Victorian College of the Arts from 1988 to 1991.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Braithwaite

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nicholas-braithwaite-mn0000180292/biography

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