Bennett, R R - Orchestral Works Vol 1 - Hickox, Richard (conductor)

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Celebrating his 70th birthday during 2006, the prolific British composer Richard Rodney Bennett presents the world premiere recording of Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song, a fantasy for cello and string orchestra, in memory of the Queen Mother. The Prince who commissioned the work wrote: "I am delighted to have played a part in the creation of a new work from Sir Richard Rodney Bennett in memory of my beloved grandmother. Sir Richard is one of the UK's leading composers which make him an obvious choice for this very special commission.” Reflecting the Queen Mother’s Scottish background, Bennett uses a Scottish folk song as the basis for the work. ‘Ca’ the yowes to the knowes’ is presented at the start of the work, then treated freely in a continuous sequence of self-contained musical paragraphs, with virtuosic solo part writing including two short cadenzas, for the cellist. These passages are performed with authority by Paul Watkins. This beautiful orchestral string writing together with rhapsodic writing for the soloist; has a very approachable style and is a fitting memory of the Queen Mother.



Coupled with this premiere are three other works of a melodic approachable style, with Bennett’s characteristic harmonic and rhythmic fluidity. Reflections on a Sixteenth Century Tune uses a theme adapted from the top line of a three-part chanson by Josquin des Pres. Its shapely curves and modal inflections evoke affinities with two earlier British works for strings, Vaughan Williams’s Tallis Fantasia and Tippett’s Concerto for Double String Orchestra. Partita symbolizes Bennett’s move to introduce elements of his more approachable film style, and of jazz idioms, into his concert music.



The programme concludes with Bennett’s reworking of his cycle Songs before Sleep for baritone and strings, performed by Jonathan Lemalu, once again demonstrates his masterly handling of the string orchestra.

Jonathan Lemalu, baritone; Paul Watkins, cello

Philharmonia Orchestra/Richard Hickox

Richard Rodney Bennett

Partita for orchestra

In memory of Sheila MacCrindle

1 Intrada. Allegro giocoso

2 Lullaby. Andante con moto - Poco meno mosso

3 Finale. Vivo e giocoso



premiere recording in this version

Reflections on a Sixteenth Century Tune for string orchestra

4 Prelude. Lento -

5 Variation I. Allegretto - Con moto - Come prima -

6 Variation II. Allegro vivo - Non troppo allegro -

7 Variation III. Homage to Peter Warlock. Andante -

8 Variation IV. Con brio e ritmico - Sempre più animato -

9 Finale. [ ] - Tranquilo - Sempre più moderato -



Songs before Sleep for bass-baritone and strings

10 The Mouse and the Bumble-bee. Molto vivo

11 Wee Willie Winkie. Allegro - Pochissimo meno

12 Twinkle, twinkle. little star. Andante lento

13 Baby, baby, anguthy baby. Con fuoco -

14 As I walked by myself. Lento e semplice

15 There was an old woman. Scherzando. Poco rilassando -



premiere recording

Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song for cello and string orchestra

In memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

16 Andante lento -

17 Arioso -

18 Vivo - Grazioso - Come prima (Vivo) - Con fuoco

19 Interlude. Dolce semplice -

20 Con brio. Con fuoco, sempre allegro -

21 Alla sarabanda - Poco più sostenuto