Customer Reviews

Cowen: Symphony No. 6 in E major 'The idyllic'; Coleridge-Taylor: Symphony in A minor

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4 star:		(2)
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There is no hidden masterpiece here. This is pleasant late Victorian British music played pleasantly. Cowen was one of those gifted children who played piano and composed at a young age. Ho wrote six symphonies, numerous oratorios, operas and operettas, chamber music, but a lot of his music has not survived. The sixth symphony has no surprises. It is tuneful and easy on the ear. The first movement is especially pleasing.
Coleridge-Taylor is better represented on disc. This symphony is a student work, and while it gives some insight into his better known scores, it remains a student work.
I personally enjoy listening to neglected British composers, and make a habit of collecting these neglected works when they appear on disc, and for those with a similar disposition, there is some light, but charming music here to be enjoyed. Good, closely recorded orchestra sound, which suits this music. It probably rates four and a half stars.

Membran has a 10 CD box of Bostock's "British Symphonic Collection", which includes this CD and 9 other excellent discs. It is not yet distributed in USA but probably will be soon. HMV Japan already has the box for about $15 (shipping will double that). You get the idea; DON'T buy this CD alone at an outrageous price.