Liepaja Symphony Orchestra
Paul Mann conductor
Emma McGrath violin
Toccata Classics TOCC 0765 [75]
This important release builds on the success of the recordings of Thomas Pitfield’s chamber and vocal music that recently appeared on the Divine Art label. With the exception of the Concerto Lirico, these are all première recordings.
The splendid Sinfonietta is in five movements. The composer (1903-1999) was asked for a symphony but seems to have felt unequal to the challenge. The composer was bedevilled by a lack of confidence throughout his career, something that is difficult for us to understand now when one hears such attractive music.
The first movement of the Sinfonietta opens with considerable gravitas and we almost expect it to develop into a weighty symphonic statement; however, the mood lightens, and we are presented with a succession of charming themes, superbly orchestrated. If I had a slight criticism of this work, it Is that the inner movements are rather on the short side. The Sinfonietta reminds me of Howard Ferguson’s marvellous Partita in its orchestral version.
The Fantasia on an Old Staffordshire Tune dates from 1950 is also a substantial piece and has considerable depth. The Lyric Waltz showcases Pitfield’s great melodic gift; this very quality will surely help his work to endure. Pitfield’s Bucolics: Folk Song Studies is surely British Light Music at its very best.
The Epitaph for String Orchestra is quintessentially English and lingers in the mind long after the work has finished. The Epitaph reminds me of some of Lennox Berkeley’s late works, such as his moving and valedictory Fourth Symphony.
The gorgeous Concerto Lirico for violin and orchestra is the most important work on this disc and a clear masterpiece. Its neglect will seem unaccountable to many. It is a predominantly melodic piece but does, however, have a darker second movement entitled Requiem – in Memoriam Albert Hardie. I felt a certain kinship with Rubbra’s Violin Concerto in the finale.
This disc is superb in every respect. The sonics and booklet notes are first rate. Emma McGrath makes a first-rate violin soloist in the Concerto Lirico and Fantasia on an Old Staffordshire Tune; she is technically impeccable, and I cannot imagine her sensitive interpretations being bettered. The performances by the Liepaja Symphony Orchestra are astonishingly idiomatic. The conductor, Paul Mann, clearly has an innate understanding of this music.
I hope this disc introduces as many people as possible to this endlessly rewarding composer.
Review by David Jennings
Want a second opinion? Read Wendy Hiscocks’ review of this CD