LEONARD GOWINGS (Tenor)
THE WIRELESS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
(Leader, S. KNEALE KELLEY )
Conducted by PERCY PITT Overture
Scherzo Nocturne
Wedding March
Wedding March ('A Midsummer Night's Dream')
LEONARD GOWINGS
Aria, If with all your hearts '
ORCHESTRA
Symphony in A (' Italian ')
IN his letters from Italy Mendelssohn referred more than once to this Symphony, which he felt sure was to be among the brightest and most joyous of all his music.
The first movement is certainly full of exhilaration and the first main tune is heard at the outset with real animation ; the second theme, appearing after some development of the first, is no less buoyant.
For some reason which no one knows, the second movement is always called 'The Pilgrims' March.' The first part of the movement is certainly serene and almost grave as compared with the vivacity of the other three, and the introductory bars have been spoken of as 'a call to prayer.' In the second part of the movement clarinets have a fine theme and the movement ends with a return to the first subject.
The customary Scherzo movement is here lather like a Minuet, in moderate time, with a gracious tune played by the strings. In the middle (' Trio ') section there is a strong phrase played by horns and bassoons, to which violins and afterwards flutes, reply.
The last movement is in Tarantelle rhythm, hurrying along at strenuous speed. There are three themes, all played by the strings, all in tho same Saltarello measure, and though, towards the end, there is a more meditative tune played by woodwinds, it is the energy and good spirits of the dance rhythm which mainly prevail.
LEONARD GOWINGS The Garland In a Gondola
On Wings of Song
Orchestra
Two Songs Without Words Overture, The Hebrides '