Immerse yourself in the cinematic world of William Alwyn with "The Film Music of William Alwyn, Vol. 4," a captivating collection of suites and themes from his iconic film scores. Released on January 1, 2017, under the Chandos label, this album spans a rich hour and seventeen minutes of orchestral brilliance, showcasing Alwyn's mastery of evoking mood, atmosphere, and narrative through music.
The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "The Black Tent Suite," a four-movement journey that transports you to the heart of the desert, from the main titles to a serene nocturne and a dramatic finale. Following this, the "On Approval Suite" brings a lighter, more playful tone with a polka and a waltz, reflecting the romantic entanglements of the film it accompanies.
Alwyn's versatility shines through in the "The Master of Ballantrae Suite," blending Scottish folk influences with classical elegance, and the Spanish Dance adding a touch of exotic flair. The album also features standalone pieces like "Miranda: Mermaid's Song," a whimsical and enchanting interlude, and "The Ship That Died of Shame: Main Titles," a poignant and memorable theme.
A significant portion of the album is dedicated to "Shake Hands with the Devil Suite," a powerful and evocative six-movement work that delves into the historical and emotional landscape of Ireland during the early 20th century. The suite's intensity is balanced by the uplifting "A City Speaks 'Manchester Suite'," a vibrant celebration of urban life and community.
Whether you're a fan of film music, a lover of classical orchestral works, or simply someone seeking a rich and engaging listening experience, "The Film Music of William Alwyn, Vol. 4" offers a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most accomplished composers.
Tracks
The Black Tent Suite: I. Main Titles and Opening SceneWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Black Tent Suite: II. Arab SceneWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Black Tent Suite: III. In the CampWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Black Tent Suite: IV. Nocturne and FinaleWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
On Approval Suite: I. Title MusicWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
On Approval Suite: II. PolkaWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
On Approval Suite: III. Proposal WaltzWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
On Approval Suite: IV. The LancersWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Master of Ballantrae Suite: I. Main TitlesWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Master of Ballantrae Suite: II. Jamie and AlisonWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Master of Ballantrae Suite: III. Spanish DanceWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Fortune Is a Woman: PreludeWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Miranda: Mermaid's SongWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Charlotte Trepass
Saturday Island: PreludeWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Shake Hands with the Devil Suite: I. Dublin 1921William Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Shake Hands with the Devil Suite: II. People of ErinWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Shake Hands with the Devil Suite: III. The Black and TansWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Shake Hands with the Devil Suite: IV. Professor Sean LenihanWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Shake Hands with the Devil Suite: V. TroubleWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Shake Hands with the Devil Suite: VI. Rebel to the EndWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Ship That Died of Shame: Main TitlesWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
They Flew Alone Suite: I. PreludeWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
They Flew Alone Suite: II. NocturneWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Paul Janes
They Flew Alone Suite: III. MarchWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
A City Speaks "Manchester Suite": I. PreludeWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
A City Speaks "Manchester Suite": II. MarchWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
A City Speaks "Manchester Suite": III. InterludeWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
A City Speaks "Manchester Suite": IV. ScherzoWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
A City Speaks "Manchester Suite": V. FinaleWilliam Alwyn, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
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