Search - Malcolm Arnold, Nash Ensemble, Ian Brown :: The Chamber Music of Malcolm Arnold, Vol. 3

The Shanties are delightful

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 10/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although all the pieces on this CD are wonderful, the most compelling for me are the THREE SHANTIES FOR WIND QUINTET. It's easy to see why these are among Arnold's most popular compositions. The numerous variations on the folk ditty "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor" are marvelous; the middle section is slow and introspective, but the final movement really comes alive and is extremely appealing: the three-note ending, drawn out a bit, will put a big smile on everyone's face. The OBOE QUARTET from 1957 is all of a piece, though variations on the main theme occur in various places along the way. The middle part of the final section introduces a lovely tune with the oboe dominating nicely. The opening theme of the QUINTET goes from exuberant to somewhat dark and tension-filled, while in the second movement the repeated string notes add mystery and uncertainty; it's only in the final minute of the last movement that Arnold's humor comes to the fore to resolve the doubts. It's a great piece. I've listened to this CD repeatedly and enjoy it immensely."