Goossens: Orchestral Recording Roundup

 

I explored a few orchestral extras from composer Sir Eugene Goossens.

By the Tarn
I thought the title of this music was referring more to a colloquialism, such as:

'By the tarn, we'll get this work done in no time!'

Alas, that is not the case.

Instead, Goossens is describing being aside a body of water. Indeed, the gentle lapping across its five minutes is peaceful and warm.

I can't say By the Tarn is a major work, but its bucolic qualities are endearing.

Divertissement
Eternal Rhythm
Variations on a Chinese Theme

What a diverse trio of orchestral works to explore.

Goossens' Variations are über-Romantic, reminding me of Dvořák, who has his own set of famous Symphonic Variations (BLOG)

With an Op. 1 attached to them, the variations and the handling of a large orchestra are remarkably assured. I only sense the titular Chinese aspect in the opening and closing, otherwise, this is a European composition through and through.

Despite Eternal Rhythm being only five opus numbers later than his Variations, it is a completely different conception. With the title, I expected something driving and rhythmic, but this is airy and atmospheric for the most part. Again, it leans on Romanticism, maybe Impressionism too, but generally it has a cinematic feel.

Each of the three movement titles from Goossens' Divertissement inform their character pretty well. Only its opening Prelude is strikingly modern, while the Folk Tune slathers its tune across the music, and the final Flamenco adds percussion for exotic flavor. This is a late work, with an Op. 66 attached to it.

Both performances are mighty fine, with Vernon Handley leading the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as something extra special. I daresay, Goossens' literature recorded on ABC Classics is becoming more convincing than that of Chandos' three-recording series (BLOG).

 

 

 

 

Recording Round-up

Variations on a Chinese Theme, op. 1
Eternal Rhythm, op. 5
Divertissement, op. 66
  Vernon Handley
  Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
  ABC Classics, 1999

By the Tarn, op. 15
  Rumon Gamba
  BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
  Chandos, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Goossens recordings HERE!