Cipriani Potter: Complete Symphonies (vol 4)

[terry martyn]

Well, out of the batch of five discs I recently mentioned under the topic of the second volume of Hiller's symphonies, my probable winner has passed the post in some style.

There was a previous recording of the opening symphony by a Milton Keynes ensemble (it was described on that disc as "No 10").  Perfectly serviceable, and especially notable for the raw but idiomatic rendition of Potter's cheeky coda.

But this just-released,and apparently BBC-sponsered, disc far surpasses it.  I doubt whether this powerful performance - of both symphonies- Potter's own favourites - will easily be bettered. The finale to the G major could turn out to be a crowd-pleaser on Classical FM.

As a bonus, and at 25 minutes or thereabouts,by no means a makeweight, we have a kind of concertante-lite piece for violin,piano,and orchestra. It's an unexpected delight, and I played it twice through with a smile on my face. The Rondo alone is enough to cheer anyone up. I quibble with the author of the booklet who certainly does not see anything of the concerto symphonique in the work, as I think the orchestra does play its part in a supporting role. and does more than just make up the numbers. Try it - what a treat!