John Wilson conducts Ireland

19th June 2009

****

“This attractive compilation, sparkily performed by John Wilson and the Hallé, is exactly the kind of push Ireland's reputation needs”

John France

Recording of the Month

“The advertising blurb on the CD cover quotes a reviewer in The Times. It states quite categorically, “I'd rather listen to the Hallé play English music than any other orchestra in the world.” … if I am honest I would have to agree that this present performance of John Ireland's orchestral music is truly superb. The present CD is a veritable feast of Ireland's orchestral music. In fact it makes an excellent introduction to his music. There are six works on this disc, which represent different facets and interests of the composer's achievement. Perhaps the most important works are those associated with location and history - Mai-Dun and The Forgotten Rite. Much of his music was infused with evocations of place and the people who had lived there. This was especially the case when those places had connections with the prehistoric and had 'mystical aspects' associated with their beliefs and rituals. He had a heightened sense of 'awareness of place': a kind of sixth-sense. This is a great CD that every Ireland enthusiast will insist on having. The main competition for this music is the Boult recordings on Lyrita and the Hickox edition on Chandos. All these recordings are essential and I would not be without them. I was introduced to Ireland's orchestral music through the Lyrita LPs so I naturally have a soft spot for them. However, John Wilson and the Hallé have excelled themselves and produced a landmark disc that presents this great music with enthusiasm, passion and understanding.”

December 2009

“John Wilson directs to the manner born and draws a crisply disciplined response from the Hallé, who seem to be enjoying the experience enormously.”