Stanford: Complete Symphonies

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LABELS: Chandos
WORKS: Complete Symphonies
PERFORMER: Ulster Orchestra/Vernon Handley
CATALOGUE NO: CHAN 9279/82 DDD (1988/90-92)
Handley’s strongly driven yet sensitive readings provide an ideal assessment of seven neglected symphonies (dating from 1875 to 1911). Stanford’s genial Irish Symphony (No. 3) was the most successful British symphony until it was totally eclipsed by Elgar’s First. The music is pleasant and gentlemanly but alas, for me, not truly memorable, although there are some beautiful central movements, especially in the Third, Fifth and Sixth symphonies. For enthusiasts. Ian Lace