Ocean Symphony played by the BBC' Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Granville Bantock
In an article in the RADIO TIMES some years ago, Sir Granville Bantock said that Rubinstein's Ocean Symphony suggested many aspects and moods of the sea. His description of the seven movements may be summarised as follows : 1. First subject, strong, rhythmic, and descriptive ; second subject, expressive, melodious, and seductive. 2. A vivid picture of storm at sea, suggesting foam-flecks of flying spray, and the swish of waters threading through the shingle as the waves retreat. 3. A calm and serene sea, in a happy and gracious mood, bathed in sunlight. 4. The mood changes to that of a somewhat rough and boisterous, yet always genial humour. S. The murmuring voice of the sea becomes a soothing lullaby. It appears to suggest the luring of a voyager to a false sense of security ; yet leaving him conscious of dangers ahead, lurking in the mysterious depths. 6. In the form of a Scherzo and Trio, one of the most delightful movement. of the work, presenting yet another aspect of sea-magic. 7. Preceded by an introductory episode drawn from No. 5. The solemn theme of a chorale leads to a majestic climax, which may be regarded as a Hymn of Thanksgiving for deliverance from the perils of'the sea.