Howells: In Gloucestershire; Dyson: Three Rhapsodies [Import, Original recording reissued]

Herbert Howells (Composer), George Dyson (Composer), London Divertimenti (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: London Divertimenti
• Composer: Herbert Howells, George Dyson
• Audio CD (April 10, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording reissued
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B00005A7LZ
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,342 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. String quartet No. 3 ('In Gloucestershire'): With easy and flexible movement

2. String quartet No. 3 ('In Gloucestershire'): Fairly quick, but always rhythmical

3. String quartet No. 3 ('In Gloucestershire'): Slow in pace: with much feeling

4. String quartet No. 3 ('In Gloucestershire'): Allegro vivace: assai ritmico

5. Rhapsodies (3) for string quartet: Rhapsody No. 1 (Allegretto)

6. Rhapsodies (3) for string quartet: Rhapsody No. 2 (Lento)

7. Rhapsodies (3) for string quartet: Rhapsody No. 3 (Adagio - Allegretto)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars English pastoral music with a cry of lament at its heart, January 25, 2010

By 

Oliver Owen (Texarkana, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Howells: In Gloucestershire; Dyson: Three Rhapsodies (Audio CD)

The string quartet by Howells is remarkable in its evocation of mood. It is written in the "English pastoral" style, but the cry of lament that lies at its heart tells us that this is much more than simply a musical picture-postcard of a cow looking over a gate. The opening bars of the first movement instantly bring to mind the green, lush hills of the English countryside, seen through the vanishing mists of a summer's morning. There is a sense of melancholy rapture similar to that evoked by Vaughan Williams in his third symphony. The second movement evokes the feel of a vigorous walk on the downs on a blustery day. Ivor Gurney heard in it "a great spring wind blowing the hair of the exultant traveller wandering without purpose save to find beauty and be comrade with the wind." The heart of the work, however, is the third movement, a deeply felt elegy in which the composer gives painful expression to feelings of grief over some devastating loss. This is some of the saddest music I have ever heard, beautiful, yet heartwrenching in the sense of loss that it conveys. Once heard, it cannnot be forgotten. The three rhapsodies by Dyson are in a lighter mood. They are very lyrical and enjoyable, but for me, it is the Howells' quartet that is the real masterwork on this disk.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars neglected masterpieces, February 19, 2010

By 

jsa (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Howells: In Gloucestershire; Dyson: Three Rhapsodies (Audio CD)

I hesitate to use the tired cliche "neglected masterpiece," but Herbert Howells' third string quartet, "In Gloucestershire," truly fits that description. It's an absolutely gorgeous piece of music: pastoral, spirited, elegiac and at times turbulent, all reflecting the best traditions of England's great composers of the twentieth century.

George Dyson's "Three Rhapsodies," which makes up the other half of this disc, is a three movement suite: allegretto, lento, adagio. It's among the composer's earliest works (1905-1912) and while sharing the same sound world of Vaughan Williams and the like, there's practically no use of folk material. The liner notes aptly describe the music as "non-academic, warming and beautiful and sings as music always should." Indeed, while in my view it's not quite as inspired as the Howells quartet, it's still very attractive music.

I've owned this disc for a number of years and am still amazed that these recordings, made in 1984, appear to be the only ones currently in the catalog. This lack of attention should not discourage prospective buyers as these are first rate performances of outstanding chamber music works. Chamber music enthusiasts and British music lovers will be thrilled with this find.

Urgently recommended!