Edmund Rubbra's "Complete Symphonies" is a monumental collection that spans over five hours of captivating orchestral music, showcasing the composer's evolution and mastery of the symphonic form. Composed over several decades, from the early Symphony No. 1, Op. 44 completed in 1937, to the profound Symphony No. 11, Op. 153, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Rubbra's symphonic landscape.
The symphonies are performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Richard Hickox, who brings out the rich textures and intricate details of Rubbra's compositions. The album begins with the stormy and tempestuous first movement of Symphony No. 1, contrasting with the playful and bucolic second movement, "Perigourdine." Each symphony presents a unique character and emotional depth, from the serene and expressive passages to the dynamic and impetuous sections.
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra," stands out with its choral and narrative elements, blending orchestral and vocal forces to create a deeply spiritual and reflective work. The inclusion of a narrator adds a dramatic dimension, making it a standout piece in Rubbra's symphonic repertoire.
Rubbra's symphonies are a testament to his unique voice in British musical history, characterized by their formal unity and textual variety. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album is a celebration of Rubbra's contributions to the symphonic genre, highlighting his ability to craft compelling and emotionally resonant compositions.
Tracks
Symphony No. 1, Op. 44: I. Allegro moderato e tempestosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 1, Op. 44: II. Perigourdine. Allegro bucolico e giocosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 1, Op. 44: III. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 2, Op. 45: I. Lento rubatoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 2, Op. 45: II. Scherzo. Vivace assaiEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 2, Op. 45: III. Adagio tranquilloEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 2, Op. 45: IV. Rondo. Allegretto amabile - Coda. PrestoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 3, Op. 49: I. ModeratoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 3, Op. 49: II. AllegroEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 3, Op. 49: III. Molto adagio ma liberamenteEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 3, Op. 49: IV. Tema con 7 variazioni e una fugaEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 4, Op. 53: I. Con motoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 4, Op. 53: II. Intermezzo. Allegretto graciosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 4, Op. 53: IIIa. Introduzione. Grave e molto calmoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 4, Op. 53: IIIb. Allegro maestosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 5, Op. 63: I. Adagio - Allegro energicoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 5, Op. 63: II. Allegro moderatoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 5, Op. 63: III. GraveEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 5, Op. 63: IV. Allegro vivoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 6, Op. 80: I. Lento (Sempre flessibile) - AllegrettoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 6, Op. 80: II. Canto. Largo e serenoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 6, Op. 80: III. Vivace impetuosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 6, Op. 80: IV. Poco andante - Allegro moderatoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 7 in C, Op. 88: I. Lento e molto espressivoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 7 in C, Op. 88: II. Vivace e leggieroEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 7 in C, Op. 88: III. Passacaglia and Fugue. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 8, Op. 132, "Hommage Γ Teilhard de Chardin": I. ModeratoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 8, Op. 132, "Hommage Γ Teilhard de Chardin": II. Allegretto con brioEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 8, Op. 132, "Hommage Γ Teilhard de Chardin": III. Poco lentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": I. PreludeEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Stephen Roberts, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": II. Crux fidelis (Chorus)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": III. Chorale. Almighty Lord we pray thee (Chorus)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": IV. Now in the place were he was crucified (Narrator)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Della Jones, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": V. Peter went forth (Narrator)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Della Jones, Stephen Roberts, Lynne Dawson, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": VI. Regina coeli (Chorus)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": VII. And behold, two of them went (Narrator)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Della Jones
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": VIII. Conversation pieceEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": IX. And Jesus led them (Narrator)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Della Jones, Stephen Roberts, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 9, Op. 140, "Sinfonia Sacra": X. Viri Galilaei (Narrator)Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, BBC National Chorus of Wales
Symphony No. 10, Op. 145, "Sinfonia da Camera": I. Lento e liberamenteEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 10, Op. 145, "Sinfonia da Camera": II. Scherzando ma graziosoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 10, Op. 145, "Sinfonia da Camera": III. LentoEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 10, Op. 145, "Sinfonia da Camera": IV. Molto adagioEdmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Symphony No. 11, Op. 153Edmund Rubbra, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
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