HBDirect Classical Music News: HBDirect Recommends... English Music

HBDirect Recommends...English Music

As the musical tradition of any nation is unique, so is the music of England, at turns splendid, regal, joyous, pastoral, complex, simple, light, profound, and intimate. Here are some suggested composers, works and recordings for readers interested in hearing more from England's rich musical heritage.

Henry Purcell (1659 - 1695)

Dido & Aeneas / Faultless, Ainsley, Tynan, Bardon, Finley, et al
"Surely set for widespread critical acclaim...The performance takes into account new developments in scholarly thinking, aiming to emulate more closely the court entertainment of Purcell's day...a different, more courtly feel to previous recordings." - BBC Music Magazine

Other recommended recordings of music of Purcell

Fairy Queen / Norrington, Hunt, Pierard, et al

King Arthur / Pinnock, English Concert

"Mr Henry Purcell's most Admirable Composures"

Keyboard Suites & Grounds / Egarr

All recordings of Purcell

Ralph Vaughan Williams
(1872 - 1958)

The Complete Symphonies / Rodgers, Maltman, Russell, Silverthorne, Bournemouth SO, et al (also includes "Flos Campi", "Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1", and Ov. to "The Wasps"). "A critical mass of high inspiration." - ARG

Other recommended recordings of Vaughan Williams

Fantasia on a Theme by Tallis / Marriner

The Lark Ascending / Hickox, Northern Sinfonia

Fantasia on Greensleeves / Marriner

The Wasps / Goodman, Elder, et al

All recordings of Vaughan Williams

Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976)

Peter Grimes / Britten, Pears, ROHCG
"Few opera recordings can claim to be so definitive, with Peter Pears, for whom it was written...a first-rate cast. Britten conducts superbly and secures splendidly incisive playing." - Penguin Guide

Other recommended recordings of music of Britten

Peter Grimes on DVD / Britten, Pears, LSO

A Ceremony of Carols / The Sixteen

Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra / Järvi (also in SACD)

Simple Symphony for Strings / Britten, ECO

War Requiem / Britten, LSO

All Recordings of Britten

More...

And, of course, Sir Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934)