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The Music of Malcolm Arnold on CD

This new album from the London Choral Sinfonia breathes fresh life into the works of Malcolm Arnold, celebrating his vibrant and masterful writing from symphonies to choral pieces and concertos, highlighting the often overlooked genius of one of Britain's most versatile composers.

For the album's curator and LCS director, Michael Waldron, the journey began with childhood memories of playing Arnold's wind and brass band pieces at school. It was during a Covid lockdown that a chance rediscovery of The Belles of St Trinian's reignited Waldron's admiration for Arnold's music, leading to an exploration of his symphonies, brass works, and the captivating Organ Concerto. This discovery also unearthed a treasure trove of largely unrecorded choral works, including Laudate Dominum and The John Clare Cantata, showcasing Arnold's remarkable ability to blend grandeur with mystery.

The album also features Jack Liebeck and Alexander Sitkovetsky in the Concerto for Two Violins, a slightly darker piece than others on the album, but a piece rich in contrast, from it's haunting middle movement to the playful rhythms of the finale. Closing with The Padstow Lifeboat, a dynamic arrangement blending charm and resilience, the recording captures the energy and wit that define Arnold's style.