Just discovered him this morning. Looks like a great overshadowed modern composer.

-Biography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Alwyn

-Complete Piano Works
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-alwyn-wass-0108.shtml

He also wrote over 70 movie scores in the 1950s.

Any imput? Anyone played any of his pieces?

Matt

Calling argerichfan...

Alwyn's "Autumn Legend" for English Horn and String Orchestra (1954) is a beautifully atmospheric piece, maybe somewhat reminiscent of Vaughn Williams, although with a "voice" all its own.

I also like his "Pastoral Fantasia" (1939) for viola and String Orchestra.

I've not heard any of his piano music, however.

Regards,

Yes, April Shower No.4 from April Morn (Four Little Pieces) which was ABRSM Grade 6 around 1974.

Very twee - I hated it.

Yes his name certainly rings a bell from ABRSM exams, and I'm pretty sure I"ve played the sonata alla toccata about 20 years ago, but I no longer have the music.

You rang?

I'm not familiar with Alwyn's solo piano music, but his 2nd Concerto is really a very fine piece. (Howard Shelley has championed this.) Also his 5th Symphony, Hydriotahia, is well worth a listen.

But most of all, I recently heard a recording on the radio of his Harp Concerto (recorded on Naxos), and I must say it held my attention from beginning to end. Just amazing music. Highly recommended!

Unlike many British composers, he seems not to have written anything for the Anglican Church. Perhaps it didn't interest him, perhaps he was never commissioned, perhaps what he did write sank without a trace. Whatever, no setting of the canticles or any anthems ever come up at Evensong.

It is worth searching out his woodwind sonatas (flute, oboe and clarinet).

-Michael B.