Thomas Matthews (violin)
BBC Northern Orchestra
Conducted by Joseph Poet
Sir Hamilton Harty attained distinction as a conductor, a composer and arranger, and an accompanist (particularly in partnership with his wife, Agnes Nicholls, the soprano singer). Born in Ireland in 1879, he began his career as an organist, settled in England when he was twenty-one and, after winning fame as an accompanist, took to conducting. From 1920 to 1933 he directed the Halle Orchestra in Manchester, where his mature musicianship and warmth of temperament made a lasting impression. He was knighted in 1925 and he died in 1941. His Violin Concerto reveals the influence of Irish folk music. It dates from 1909, and was first performed in March of that year at Queen's Hall, London, with Szigeti as soloist and the composer conducting.
The serenity and mellow loveliness of Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 5 in D form a striking contrast to the impassioned, turbulent character of Nos. 4 and 6. From the opening theme (or evocation) on the horns, to the final bars of the Passacaglia, mysticism, contemplation and a quiet joy are the dominant notes. When the Symphony first appeared there was a quotation from Bunyan attached to the Romanza, the slow movement, but it was afterwards withdrawn. The work is ' dedicated (without permission and with the sincerest flattery) to Jean Sibelius, whose great example is worthy of aU imitation.' The first performance took place at a Promenade Concert in June 1943, when it was conducted by the composer. Harold Rutland