Arnold: Philharmonic Concerto, Op.120

Recorded live at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on 30 November 1975 (The Chagall Windows), 31 October 1976 (Philharmonic Concerto) and 10 February 1983 (Concerto for Orchestra).

The London Philharmonic Orchestra has enjoyed relationships with some of the most distinguished composers since it was founded in 1932. None were closer to the ensemble than Malcolm Arnold, who began his musical career from within its very ranks. A mutual and productive respect between the Orchestra and John McCabe has grown from their first collaborations in 1972; the composer’s own description of the Orchestra’s musicians as ‘ courteous colleagues of great musical insight’ exemplifies a vigorous and moving partnership.

Bernard Haitink has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an orchestral and operatic conductor. Besides being a previous Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Haitink has also been Chief Conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Music Director of Glydebourne Festival Opera. Sir Georg Solti is one of the great conductors of the twentieth century. During his life he won 32 Grammy awards and recorded over 250 discs for Decca. His conducting posts included Music Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

This recording has only been previously available as part of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary Box Set, Volume 2 (LPO0098)