Arnold Cooke - Symphony No.1; Concerto for String Orchestra; Jabez and the Devil

Arnold COOKE (1906-2005)

Concerto in D for String Orchestra (1948) 

Symphony No. 1 (1947) 

Jabez and the Devil - Suite (1959)

 

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Nicholas Braithwaite

rec. 1970, 1979, 1977.

Review:

The first of Arnold Cooke's five symphonies was completed in 1947 and premiered under Sir Adrian Boult in a BBC broadcast two years later.

At first glance both the home tonality and formal plan might imply a nod or two towards Walton's First Symphony from the previous decade. However, it doesn't take very long to discover that the most fruitful influence is that of Hindemith (Cooke's teacher at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik from 1929 to 1932); anyone who responds to the German master's Mathis der Maler, Symphony in E flat or Symphoniaserena should most certainly lend an ear.

Closer to home, annotator Calum MacDonald also perceives a timeless, deep-rooted quality in Cooke's fad-free music that suggests a kinship with Rubbra (witness the long-breathed polyphony of the heartfelt slow movement). In sum, a work of impeccable resourcefulness, cogent argument and affecting sincerity that invites and repays repeated listening.

The symphony is flanked by the 1948 Concerto in D for string orchestra (a bracingly assured, big-hearted essay in three movements, which features some grateful writing for the section principals) and a splendidly colourful and diverting 18-minute suite from the 1959 ballet Jabez and the Devil (eventually staged at Covent Garden in September 1961). Kenneth Wilkinson's 1974 Kingsway Hall sound in the latter boasts fabulous bite and presence still, but the two other works (taped in 1988-89) have likewise been ripely captured by the microphones, and Nicholas Braithwaite helms the LPO with scrupulous care and infectious commitment throughout. Definitely one for the 'want' list!"