English composer Herbert Howells (1892-1983) is most widely known for his sacred, choral and vocal music, especially Hymnus Paradisi - written in memory of his 9-year old son who died soon after contracting polio in 1935. This tragic event also influenced the slow movement of his Concerto for String Orchestra of 1938.
This concerto is influenced by, and in direct lineage from Elgar's Introduction and Allegro and Vaughan Williams' Tallis Fantasia, and is part of a rich vein of British 20th Century music for strings that includes the Bliss work (coupled on this record) and Tippett's Double Concerto. Howells dedicated the work to Sir Adrian Boult, who conducted its premiere, and as the sleeve photos show the composer was present at the recording sessions in 1974.
A BBC radio documentary about Herbert Howells is linked to below.
Cartridge: Ortofon Xpression MC
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC
Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R
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| Click to enlarge |
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| Sir Adrian Boult and Herbert Howells |
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