Track Listing

1. Autumn Legend for English horn & orchestra
2. Pastoral Fantasia for viola & strings
3. Tragic Interlude for 2 horns, timpani & strings: Adagio, marcato e appassionata
4. Lyra Angelica for harp & strings: I Adagio
5. Lyra Angelica for harp & strings: II Adagio, ma non troppo
6. Lyra Angelica for harp & strings: III Moderato
7. Lyra Angelica for harp & strings: IV Allegro jubiloso

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #181776 in Music
• Released on: 1992-10-28
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Amazon.com
Alwyn (1905-85) is one of the more neglected British composers of this century. His music, as presented on this Chandos state-of-the-art release, successfully avoids the lushly lyrical specter of Vaughan Williams. (Alwyn sometimes takes deep bows to Vaughn Williams with his occasional use of atonality, particularly in his symphonies and works for string orchestra). These works are for string orchestra and harp (Lyra Angelica), cor anglais (Autumn Legend) and viola (Pastoral Fantasia). If Alwyn has a soul-mate, it's probably his older (and just as cranky) contemporary Arnold Bax. This disc is an excellent introduction to Alwyn. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews

Majestic
I first heard this music on my clock radio. I had tuned in the local NPR station to help me fall asleep, but as soon as the "Pastoral Fantasia" played, I couldn't possibly sleep with such majestic and soulful music playing. I had never heard of Alwyn, and struggled to find the CD, but now I play it every day. I find the music penetrating my life in so many ways, and it resonates in my mind constantly. Putting this CD in my stereo in the morning is like heaven on earth. Even my friends who do not care for classical music find the Alwyn CD addictive!

Wonderful!
I had never heard of William Alwyn until I happened to catch a recording of "Lyra Angelica." It had such an etherealness to it, such beauty and joy, reminding me of the sky and clouds, etc. It has so many subtle treasures hidden in it that it deserves repeated listening...the rest of the cd is wonderful, too, but I'd give all of the five stars for "Lyra Angelica" itself.

Wow!
I first became interested in Alwyn's music after watching Michelle Kwan skate to Lyra Angelica in 1998. The CD quickly became on of my all-time favorites! Alwyn's music is ethereally gorgeous yet at the same natural and refreshing. I am a violist and would love to learn the Pastoral Fantasia. Buy this CD. It will lift your spirits!