Robert Simpson: Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 5 [Import]

Robert [Composer] Simpson (Composer), Vernon Handley (Conductor), Jonathan Carney (Conductor), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Vernon Handley, Jonathan Carney
• Composer: Robert [Composer] Simpson
• Audio CD (December 15, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B000002ZUJ
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,604 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Allegro ma non tropo

2. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

3. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

4. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

5. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

6. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

7. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

8. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

9. Symphony No. 3 - 1962: Adagio

10. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Allegro

11. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Allegro

12. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Allegro

13. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Allegro

14. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Canone 1: Comodo e tranquillo

15. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Scherzino: Molto vivace

16. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Canone 2: Adagio

17. Symphony No. 5 - 1972: Finale: Molto allegro e con fuoco

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two masterpieces from a master symphonist, December 2, 2001

By 

Daniel R. Greenfield "Dan" (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Robert Simpson: Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 5 (Audio CD)

Surely Robert Simpson ranks among the greatest symphonists of the twentieth century. The Third, Fifth, and Ninth symphonies are probably his greatest achievements, though I would be hard-pressed to say which of these three is the greatest. A good case can be made for the Fifth, however, which is certainly one of the most original works ever composed. If you have never sampled any of Simpson's symphonic works, this is probably the best place to start. Be prepared, however: Simpson's works are highly dissonant in nature, and they demand a lot from the listener. That dissonance is produced primarily as a result of his style of composition, which is governed by the presence of two opposing tonal centers, which often collide against each other. Simpson's music is not atonal, but bi-tonal.

Not for Simpson the angst that characterizes the symphonies of Shostakovich and Pettersson. Instead, there is a much more formal detachment, devoid of any traces of emotion. It might well be described as industrial symphonic music, as wikipedia describes industrial music as "harsh and challenging"; it brings to mind massive, cold, impersonal (albeit interesting) sonic structures. All the same, his music is fraught with a Brucknerian majesty. As one reviewer has said, it is as though one is encountering some sort of strange interstellar phenomenon, utterly beyond the realm of human experience. This is of course their weakenss and their strength.

The Third is probably best-known for its extended last section, which starts as an Adagio and gradually accelerates over the space of some 15 minutes to eventually explode in "Beethovenian momentum". The Fifth is best-known for that incredible single-note pulse which plays in the background throughout most of the work, for the most part inaudible, except at the beginning and at the very end of the work where it quietly endures sphinx-like in absolute triumph. It brings to mind that same enigma that confronts the listener in Ives' "Unanswered Question": Whence the cosmos?, and all those unutterable questions that flood the mind when looking up into the night sky.

This is a remarkable recording, with exceptionally well-written album notes. Bravo to Hyperion for its most excellent Simpson series! It's my sincere hope that Simpson's time will eventually come. His music deserves to be heard. These two symphonies are undeniably among the most original symphonic works of our time.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This deserves a better starred review!, February 26, 2001

By 

K. DANIELSON "KDan" (New Castle, Pa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Robert Simpson: Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 5 (Audio CD)

I agree with the previous reviewer - Robert Simpson is definitely one of the greatest composers of the 2oth century, and his works deserve more attention and performance from symphony orchestras. Hopefully, the set of recordings conducted by Handley on Hyperion will hep to rectify that matter. I just think that the other reviewer should have given 5 stars instead of 3. Just give his music a try. It's based on tonal principles and very drammatic!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Praiseworthy, August 8, 2009

By 

Karl W. Nehring (Ostrander, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Robert Simpson: Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 5 (Audio CD)

Elsewhere, I recommend the remarkable Hyperion CD containing Robert Simpson's 9th Symphony along with a spoken exegesis of the work's themes by the composer himself, a splendid concept that the remarkable Simpson carried out to perfection. This disk lets the music speak entirely for itself, with conductor Vernon Handley, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and gifted recording engineer Tony Faulkner all carrying out their duties close enough to perfection to suit even the most demanding listener.

Although many American audiophiles have never heard of Robert Simpson, just a few years ago (before his death in 1997), he was often praised as the greatest living composer of symphonies, and this recording will give you an inkling of why that praise was bestowed. Take my word for it--before you buy yet another recording of Beethoven's Third or Fifth, buy this CD first.