Description

Christopher  Gunning  – Symphonies 2,  10  and 12

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Kenneth Woods, conductor

Signum Records

Released 6 December 2019

“Thrilling!” Ian Skelly, BBC Radio 3 Essential Classics

“…as meticulously wrought as they are powerfully conceived….The BBC National Orchestra of Wales leave nothing to be desired, Kenneth Woods taking time out from his estimable 21st Century Symphony Project – which has already produced major compositions by Philip Sawyers (10/17), David Matthews (7/19) and Matthew Taylor – to deliver readings of audible conviction and insight. Cordially recommended.” Richard Whitehouse, Gramophone

“The idle assumption that people who have found success with TV and film scores cannot stretch themselves beyond writing short cues is knocked on the head with Christopher Gunning…The three symphonies here definitely reveal a substantial concert composer… writing very individual music…there’s no doubt that Kenneth Woods and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales really enjoy themselves performing such personable and communicative music.” Geoff Brown, BBC Music Magazine

“The performances of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales sound splendid throughout, not just thoroughly well-prepared and virtuosic, but full of relish and enjoyment also. I suspect this may be at least partly due to the committed advocacy of conductor Kenneth Woods, who not only knows a good thing when he hears it, but is able to communicate it to the orchestra in front of him.This is nowhere more evident than in the most compelling composition of the three, the single-span Tenth Symphony, a multi-faceted and cogently argued work… Signum’s sound is superlative and this is a disc I have been playing again and again (and will continue to return to). Strongly recommended.” Guy Rickards, Musical Opinion

“In his symphonies, Gunning does not build on film-like snippets, but on the contrary carries narrative through smooth, long sequences.”  Aki Yli-Salomäki, YTE Klassinen

“Waiting for this slow theme to land, to find its feet, is thrilling, and hearing how Gunning develops it over 21 minutes is both moving and entertaining. He clearly knows his Sibelius 7th (check out the closing bars), and he’s mastered the art of the seamless transition, the symphony’s various sections perfectly knitted together. It’s a real find, Gunning’s broadly tonal style both distinctive and appealing. Kenneth Woods and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales audibly believe in the work: the performance is excellent.” Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk

“Christopher Gunning (English composer, born 1944) conducted by Kenneth Woods. This Signum release embraces Gunning’s Symphonies 10, 2 & 12 (in that order) and finds the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in top form under the devoted Woods, superbly recorded in Hoddinott Hall, produced by the composer. Definitive then!… All the music here (78 minutes’ worth) has wide appeal, and never for a second does its accessibility suggest a contrivance to be liked; these scores are written ‘from within’…. I commend this release with enthusiasm!” Colin Anderson, Classical Source

“…not all recently-composed symphonies have the coherence and conviction of this one. It will amply repay the attention of any music lover. This is music that is clearly gratifying to play, and the orchestra does so with skill, conviction and evident enjoyment. Gunning must have been thrilled. These are three substantial symphonies that are thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying to listen to.” William Hedley, MusicWeb International

“…on the Sibelius-Mahler spectrum, Gunning is much nearer the former, with musical material spare and tightly compressed. No.10’s three sections flow together continuously, ending with a return of the opening music, and No.2 is dark, laconic and severe. No.12 is more relaxed and affable, more melodically unbuttoned, but still with a firm compositional grip and emotional depth in the second movement’s mournful episode…..Kenneth Woods, a staunch advocate of the contemporary symphony…..gets suitably taut playing from this fine orchestra and the recording, made in Cardiff’s BBC Hoddinott Hall‘s generous acoustic, has both precision and warmth.” Norman Stinchcombe, Birmingham Post/Midlands Music Reviews

“In sum, there is much to like about the album, much to ponder in placid contemplation, much to like about the conductor and orchestra, and especially much to like about the sound. The sound is quite realistic, as we have to expect from non-live English studio productions. It is wide and deep, with a natural tonal balance that does not unnecessarily favor any part of the frequency spectrum. So the sound is neither soft nor forward, dull nor bright. It’s also quite smooth, with well defined though not spotlighted delineation. Add in a good, strong dynamic impact, and you get some impressive sonics. In fact, the more I think about it (and the more I listen to it) this may be some of the best sound I’ve heard in years.” John J. Puccio. Classical Candor

“The BBC National Orchestra of Wales plays the music with all of the reverence and precision any great orchestra would give to the standard repertoire. Conductor Kenneth Woods demonstrates great sensitivity and understanding of the music. He is a superb musician. The recorded sound leaves nothing to be desired.” Karl F. Miller, Fanfare