Dances (English, Scottish, Cornish, Irish, and Welsh), LPO, Sir Mal-
colm Arnold, Lyrita 201 or Queensland SO, Andrew Penny, Naxos
8.553526. These dance sets are among the most exuberant musical
157 romps written in our time.
Symphonies nos. 1 & 2, NSO Ireland, Andrew Penny, Naxos 8.553406
Arnold personally approved these performances, and one can see why,
158 since they are similar to his own superb style of conducting.
159 Symphonies nos. 3 & 4, LSO, Richard Hickox, Chandos 9290
160 Symphonies nos. 5 & 6, LSO, Richard Hickox, Chandos 9385
Magnificent, riveting performances of the central symphonies in stun-
161 ningly good sound.
Symphony no. 9, NSO Ireland, Andrew Penny, Naxos 8.553540
<> A mesmerizing rendition of Arnold’s indispensible farewell.
Film Music (including Bridge on the River Kwai), LSO, Richard Hickox,
163 Chandos 9100. This could give movie music a good name.
Concertos: Two Violins, Clarinet, Flute, Horn (no. 2), Mark Stephen-
son, London Musici, Lyn Fletcher, Kenneth Sillito, Michael Collins,
Karen Jones, Richard Watkins, Conifer Classics 74321-15004 (available
used and as an ArkivCD)
164 A wonderful introduction to Arnold’s musical friendships.
Chamber Music, Volume 1, Helios CDH 55071; Volume 2, CDH
55072; Volume 3, CDH 55073
These recordings of the Nash Ensemble are a triumph for Arnold and
these artists. I recommend them in reverse order; Volume 3 is the
165 most important, since it contains the more substantial work.
Cello Concerto; Symphony for Strings; Fantasy for Recorder and String
166 Quartet, Naxos 8572640
Ballet Music, Rumon Gamba, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Chandos
167 10550
Concerto for Two Pianos, Concerto for Piano Duet and Strings, Esa
Heikkilä, Ulster Orchestra, Phillip Dyson, Kevin Sargent, Naxos
168 8570531
String Quartets no. 1 & 2, etc., Malcolm Arnold, Maggini Quartet,
169 Naxos 8557762
