Malcolm Arnold

Symphonies Nos 7 and 8

ARNOLD, at 80 years of age, is one of the most traditional of English composers.

But for all that there are strong traces of jazz in his compositions and, without a doubt, tremendous fire and verve in what he does.

Over the years he has produced a vast amount of orchestral music, including dozens of concertos, overtures, film scores, dances and suites.

His penchant for self-doubt has led to many periods of composer's block and alcoholism, caused the collapse of two marriages and, in 1981, he suffered a mental breakdown.

It's hard to know whether these sets of events have stifled his creative urges or stimulated them.

What is certain is that his music reflects the complexities of his life and many of the contradictions as well.

Now Naxos presents his 7th and 8th symphonies, which, as far as is possible, attempt to leave the strong jazz influences behind.

The 7th has the most emotional atmosphere of any of his works. Lacerating strings and pounding brass kickstart the first movement to perfection and a sequence of motifs, rather than a discernible theme, are presented.

The 2nd movement has searching conceptions and woodwind and trombone offer flavours of Shostakovich's 15th symphony.

The finale reminds us of the 1st movement and here Arnold's technical assurance comes to the fore.

The 8th is less explicit but rather more unsettling. The composer has lived in Eire for the last 30 years and his music offer glimpses of the country's troubled history.

There is raw emotion in the piece and the symphony closes with the musicians in full cry. An uncompromising conclusion.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland conducted by Andrew Penny are in fine form for this CD.

Naxos: 8.552001