Hugh Wood - Wood: Symphony, Op. 21 & Scenes from Comus, Op. 6 (LP)

Hugh Wood's album "Wood: Symphony, Op. 21 & Scenes from Comus, Op. 6" is a captivating journey through the composer's most ambitious works. Released on 1 april 2012 under NMC Recordings, this album showcases Wood's mastery of orchestral composition, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis.

The album begins with Wood's Symphony, Op. 21, a four-movement work that is his longest and most substantial to date. The symphony is a powerful and dramatic piece, with each movement offering a unique emotional landscape. From the stormy and threatening "Tempesta" to the calm and serene "Finale," the symphony is a testament to Wood's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.

The second half of the album is dedicated to "Scenes from Comus, Op. 6," a choral work based on John Milton's masque "Comus." This piece is a showcase for the vocal talents of soprano Geraldine McGreevy and tenor Daniel Norman, who bring the characters of the Lady and Comus to life. The work is a rich tapestry of sound, with the orchestra and chorus combining to create a vivid and immersive musical experience.

With a total runtime of 1 uur, 9 min, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music and orchestral works. Hugh Wood's "Wood: Symphony, Op. 21 & Scenes from Comus, Op. 6" is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion, tell a story, and transport the listener to another world.