CD Review

Lamond - Symphony in A major. Concert Overture "From the Scottish Highlands". d'Albert - Esther: Overture
BBCSSO / Brabbins
Hyperion CDA67387

Release date March 2004

Following on from their valuable collections of music by Scottish Romantic composers (Mackenzie, MacCunn and Cecil Coles), Hyperion has made the first recording of the Symphony in A major by Frederic Lamond. He is remembered now exclusively as a pianist; several of his Beethoven recordings are available on APR, including one of the very first recordings of the Emperor Concerto (conducted by Eugene Goossens). The spirit of Brahms looms large in his symphony - not surprisingly, as Lamond not only knew the great man, but had performed the Brahms piano concertos under the baton of the composer. Its language and manners are thoroughly German, with not a trace of a Scottish accent. That said, in its Allegro vivace, quasi presto second movement, he reveals a kinship with the Swedish composer Franz Berwald; at any rate, the music has a comparable radiance and charm. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, carefully prepared by Martyn Brabbins, gives a polished account of an attractive score that has not been heard for a century or more. Two excerpts from Lamond's opera Eine Liebe im Schottischen Hochlande as well as an overture by Eugen d'Albert (another Glasgow-born pianist-composer) complete a worthwhile addition to the catalogue. Anyone who enjoys exploring the byways of late-nineteenth century music shouldn't hesitate.

Reviewed by Sandy Matheson