Composer: Charles O’Brien
Orchestra: Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Paul Mann
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Toccata
Catalogue: TOCC0263
Release: 2016
Size: 580 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
01. To Spring, Op. 4
02. The Minstrel’s Curse, Op. 7
03. Mazurka
04. Berceuse
Scottish Scenes, Op. 17 (Version for Orchestra)
05. I. Moorland
06. II. Voices in the Glen
07. III. Harvest Home
The rediscovery of the music of the Edinburgh composer Charles O’Brien (1882–1968) continues with this second CD of his orchestral music. The disc opens with two expansive ‘concert overtures’, the bright, Schumannesque To Spring and dark, Lisztian The Minstrel’s Curse – symphonic poems in all but name.
Two contrasting and charming miniatures from O’Brien’s youth are then followed by a colourful evocation of Scottish life, in a suite consisting of a tone-poem, an heroic elegy and a dancing finale.
Toccata Classics has already released O’Brien’s complete piano music on two CDs, and the first of what will be three of the complete orchestral music, with O’Brien’s only symphony. Of it MusicWeb International commented: ‘One or two of the string phrases remind the listener of Elgar […] there’s a strong vein of dance music running through this work. […] beautifully played and paced, and finely recorded as well, and is thus shown to its best advantage. As O’Brien’s only symphony it’s a worthy discovery for admirers of British music, who will await volume two with enthusiasm’.
Paul Mann is a regular guest-conductor with many orchestras throughout Europe, the USA, Australia, and the Far East. He is making a series of recordings for Toccata Classics. The Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1881, is the oldest symphonic ensemble in the Baltic States and holds a special place in the national cultural life of Latvia, where it has the status of national orchestra.