CRQ Editions, a specialist download and streaming site devoted to the re-release of unusual out-of-copyright recordings which are of interest to collectors world-wide, has recently released several recordings of British music of interest.
These include the following:
- Maurice Handford conducts Bax Symphonies
Sir Arnold Bax’s Third, Fourth & Fifth Symphonies and The Tales the Pine Trees Knew recorded by the BBC between 1965 and 1984. This was a time when Bax recordings were few and far between. These performances yield little to their commercial competitors in command of atmosphere and idiom.
CRQ 445 Bax: Symphony No. 3 / BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (23 11 84) and The Tales the Pine Trees Knew/ BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra (15 08 1979) / Maurice Handford
CRQ 454 Bax: Symphony No. 4 / Hallé Orchestra / Maurice Handford (20 10 1965)
CRQ 473 Bax: Symphony No. 5 / BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra / Maurice Handford (15 05 1967)
- Malcolm Arnold conducts the London Philharmonic
A re-release of Arnold’s famous 1958 recordings made by the American audiophile label Everest. The composer conducts the LPO in two key works. An excellent combination of authoritative direction and superb sound.
CRQ 485 Arnold: Symphony No. 3 Op. 63 and Four Scottish Dances / London Philharmonic Orchestra / Malcolm Arnold
- Barbirolli conducts Rawsthorne and Elgar
Sir John Barbirolli conducts the Hallé Orchestra in Alan Rawsthorne’s Second Piano Concerto with Greek-born pianist George Hadjinikos broadcast by the BBC in 1965. Also included is Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
CRQ 479 An afternoon concert with Sir John Barbirolli and the Hallé Orchestra: Kabalevsky, Rawsthorne, Elgar, Beethoven
- Rare Bantock
Among the most sought-after Sir Granvile Bantock recordings are the six sides that Bantock himself conducted for the Paxton label in 1945. This includes the Comedy Overture to Aristophanes’ The Frogs, Two Heroic Ballads, Two Hebridean Sea Poems and the Processional from King Solomon.
CRQ 468 Sir Granville Bantock conducts: the Paxton recording and other rarities
These are available for streaming or download from CRQ Editions at Bandcamp – explore the catalogue.