Customer Reviews

Alwyn: Lyra Angelica; Pastoral Fantasia; Tragic Interlude; Lyra Angelica

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first heard this music on my clock radio. I had tuned in the local NPR station to help me fall asleep, but as soon as the "Pastoral Fantasia" played, I couldn't possibly sleep with such majestic and soulful music playing. I had never heard of Alwyn, and struggled to find the CD, but now I play it every day. I find the music penetrating my life in so many ways, and it resonates in my mind constantly. Putting this CD in my stereo in the morning is like heaven on earth. Even my friends who do not care for classical music find the Alwyn CD addictive!

I had never heard of William Alwyn until I happened to catch a recording of "Lyra Angelica." It had such an etherealness to it, such beauty and joy, reminding me of the sky and clouds, etc. It has so many subtle treasures hidden in it that it deserves repeated listening...the rest of the cd is wonderful, too, but I'd give all of the five stars for "Lyra Angelica" itself.

I first became interested in Alwyn's music after watching Michelle Kwan skate to Lyra Angelica in 1998. The CD quickly became on of my all-time favorites! Alwyn's music is ethereally gorgeous yet at the same natural and refreshing. I am a violist and would love to learn the Pastoral Fantasia. Buy this CD. It will lift your spirits!

William Alwyn has captured pure beauty in his music. The Pastoral Fantasia embodies much of what Debussy tried to capture in his music; sunsets, trees, waves, clouds, and all that represents beauty and majesty in the natural world. The quality of this CD is excellent, just make sure you play it loud and with maximum bass capability! It will touch your soul.

This recording is truly beautiful. Buy it!

Let's face it, William Alwyn is a sadly neglected composer. Like Arnold, Britten, and Walton, Alwyn was very versatile in his writing. He was quite capable of composing anything he wanted to, but he stuck mainly to orchestral, chamber, and film music in his career.

This recording with Richard Hickox and his City of London Sinfonia is apart of a 7-disc series for Chandos. This collection of music brings together some of Alwyn's "other" orchestral works outside of the symphonies and concerti. The whole recording is marvelously played and conducted. I've become a big fan of Richard Hickox who, like Handley and Thomson, has done a great service to bringing English music back into the spotlight and for that I'm thankful for what he has done.

If any of you are fans of Arnold, Britten, or Walton, should definitely acquire some Alwyn for your collection and this particular recording is a great place to start.