Symphony No. 1 (Simpson)
Encyclopedia
The Symphony No. 1 by Robert Simpson
was completed in 1951 and submitted as his doctorate thesis for the University of Durham.
It is scored with a fairly standard orchestra with the exception that high D trumpets are used instead of the standard B flat trumpets.
The work is in three connected movements, all in one basic pulse so that tempo changes are all proportionally related. The work pits the tonalities of A and E flat against each other. It begins with a fanfare-like introduction from the brass and which then resides for several moments into a quieter section dominated by the strings which develops the main motives.
The second part is half the basic pulse of the opening and is almost completely diatonic, again dominated mostly by strings and introducing a theme which was metamorphosed from the opening section. It is very peaceful, and evokes timeless purity in which its restrained melancholy conveys a meditative atmosphere.
Both themes of the opening are combined to form a Part 3 which acts like a finale. The piece ends triumphantly in A major.
"The impression created is of a monolithic unity as though conceived in a single breath."
The premiere was played by the Danish State Radio Orchestra under Launy Grøndahl in Copenhagen on 11 June 1953 and it was recorded by HMV under the auspices of the British Council
in 1956, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult.
release which also includes Symphony No. 8
, both performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
conducted by Vernon Handley
, the other is a remastering of Boult's HMV LP of 1956, which also includes Racine Fricker's Symphony No. 2 and Robin Orr
's Symphony in One Movement.
Robert Simpson (composer)
Robert Simpson was an English composer and long-serving BBC producer and broadcaster.He is best known for his orchestral and chamber music , and for his writings on the music of Beethoven, Bruckner, Nielsen and Sibelius. He studied composition under Herbert Howells...
was completed in 1951 and submitted as his doctorate thesis for the University of Durham.
It is scored with a fairly standard orchestra with the exception that high D trumpets are used instead of the standard B flat trumpets.
The work is in three connected movements, all in one basic pulse so that tempo changes are all proportionally related. The work pits the tonalities of A and E flat against each other. It begins with a fanfare-like introduction from the brass and which then resides for several moments into a quieter section dominated by the strings which develops the main motives.
The second part is half the basic pulse of the opening and is almost completely diatonic, again dominated mostly by strings and introducing a theme which was metamorphosed from the opening section. It is very peaceful, and evokes timeless purity in which its restrained melancholy conveys a meditative atmosphere.
Both themes of the opening are combined to form a Part 3 which acts like a finale. The piece ends triumphantly in A major.
"The impression created is of a monolithic unity as though conceived in a single breath."
The premiere was played by the Danish State Radio Orchestra under Launy Grøndahl in Copenhagen on 11 June 1953 and it was recorded by HMV under the auspices of the British Council
British Council
The British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities. It is registered as a charity both in England and Wales, and in Scotland...
in 1956, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult.
Discography
There are two commercially available CDs: one is a Hyperion RecordsHyperion Records
Hyperion Records is an independent British classical record label.-History:The company was named after Hyperion, one of the Titans of Greek mythology. It was founded by George Edward Perry, widely known as "Ted", in 1980. Early LP releases included rarely recorded 20th century British music by...
release which also includes Symphony No. 8
Symphony No. 8 (Simpson)
The Symphony No. 8 by Robert Simpson was completed in 1981 and commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society. The first performance was given at the Royal Festival Hall on 10 November, 1982 by the Royal Danish Orchestra conducted by Jerzy Semkow. The work employs a large orchestra which includes...
, both performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London. It tours widely, and is sometimes referred to as "Britain's national orchestra"...
conducted by Vernon Handley
Vernon Handley
Vernon George "Tod" Handley CBE was a British conductor, known in particular for his support of British composers. He was born of a Welsh father and an Irish mother into a musical family in Enfield, London. He acquired the nickname "Tod" because his feet were turned in at his birth, which his...
, the other is a remastering of Boult's HMV LP of 1956, which also includes Racine Fricker's Symphony No. 2 and Robin Orr
Robin Orr
Robert Kelmsley Orr CBE was a Scottish composer.Born in Brechin, he studied at the Royal College of Music in London and at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Following studies with Alfredo Casella and Nadia Boulanger he returned to Cambridge in 1938 as Organist of St John's College. During his war...
's Symphony in One Movement.