This performance at the opening concert of the Laredo Phil's 34th Season was dedicated to the memory of the conductor's brother, Finbarr Townsend who passed away June 27, 2013.
It's a great piece of music and how much better known it would be if it had been written by either Elgar, Vaughan Williams or Britten. Sadly, I think it's Malcolm Arnold's destiny to be forever undervalued.
This music is quite popular among the wind music players in Japan. Many high school or junior high school blass bands play this piece, and a lot of members love it.
Although I have been familliar with this piece for many years I am very surprised it is not more popular. It easily ranks as highly as the wasps or the Meistersingers or William Tell. Perhaps now that it was played at the proms it will become more popular.
@@scabbycatcat4202 Perhaps too political? a national disgrace rather better buried ?, This was a commemorative work commissioned by the British Trades Union. There's a film of this historic event, by Mike Leigh on release now.
Listen to the, 'City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra'' conducted by Sir Malcolm Arnold himself, a fantastic and unequaled performance. you are there, believe me.
Wow！Really good performance ! Might not the best performance technically, but might be the best one musically! This music is mostly performed in wind orchestra version in my country, Japan, and I watched the performance of this music in orchestra version for the first time. I really liked it! It seems the conductor`s brother has been gone unfortunately. I see, and feel the conductor's energy to try his best to express his passion to this music. I really enjoyed this video, and thanks for your uploading this. I wish I could watch this performance with even better orchestra like Vienna philharmonic under his conducting. Again, thanks for your uploading this video !
Is it a American trait--to film the conductor, rather than the player's ? At the annual BBC Proms, the camera's are everywhere. I suppose it's down to cost though.
I was so saddened by the loss of such an amazing Conductor recently but very happy today that his work was recommended to me by complete chance on YT. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.
A superb piece, exellently performed! My only critisisms are that the dedication should have included those who fell during the massacre of Peterloo, also Sr Malcolm should have ended this piece on the theme instead of the Triumph he portrayed at the end! There was no triumph involved, this was a massacre of innocent civilians!
This Overture was commissioned by the British Trades Union Congress, to commemorate this terrible event, but it strengthened their determination, despite the ''six acts'' , designed to suppress all gatherings. For THE best recording of this wonderful work, I suggest you listen to Sir Malcolm's recording , when conducting the ''City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's on RU-vid..
