Charles Hubert Parry - Symphony No.1; Concertstück in G Minor

Charles Hubert Parry: 

Symphony No. 1 & Concertstück in G Minor

Matthias Bamert

London Philharmonic Orchestra

It is clear that there is not a single symphonic movement which does not posses the controlled expansiveness of the true symphonist in this glorius first symphony by Sir Charles Hubert H Parry.

Parry illustrates a definite ability of overall mastery of symphonic form. And this symphony reflects the mature personality and experience of the composer.

Mathias Bamert seems to have a unique understanding for the spacious qualities of the composers music. He makes a very strong case for this composition right from the start.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra gives us some glorious solo horn playing particularly at the beginning of the Andante. And Bamert finds the right pace and natural eloquence. And the whole performance does justice to the cyclic elements of the whole piece.

It should also be noted that the finale concludes with triumphant enthusiesm.

The disc also contains a performance of the Concertstuck in G minor for orchestra. This neo Germanic offering is given a very satisfactory interpretation. And this piece is a work of remarkable strength and insight.

The whole performance throughout the disc is excellent and the digital sound recording is very good indeed.

Generally speaking Chandos have come up with a very strong release of this great work.