Search - Alwyn, Quartet of London, Willison :: String Quartet 3 / String Trio

Give it time, get to know it

Philip Spires | La Nucia, Spain | 11/27/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"William Alwyn's music is something of an enigma. When listening, it's always worth bearing in mind that he wrote a lot of film music. Wholly tonal, his music sounds like it ought to have been written a couple of generations before it was. But then there's always a tough edge near at hand. And when you have got used to that approach, there's a set of luscious chords that come straight out of popular song. For me, I can find the influence of Bax and Britten, but that is unfair. The composer had his own voice, and it's quite a complex, but rewarding one. This is music you need to get to know. It's not arresting, but the experience is wholly worthwhile."