Symphony No. 1 in D major

Available for over a year

Composer, poet, painter, piccolo player, conductor, with a wife who was also a composer: Alwyn's life was music. This powerful symphony - written in post-war London - is a majestic display of his skill. William Alwyn composed the scores for some classic British films, including such beauties as Carol Reed’s The Fallen Idol and John Boulting’s The Magic Box. Sir John Barbirolli was impressed with Alwyn’s film music, took an interest in his Symphony No. 1, and conducted the Hallé Orchestra in its premiere on the 6th of July 1950 at that year’s Cheltenham Festival. Composer: William Alwyn Performers: BBC Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Sakari Oramo Recording date: 13 August 2014 Date of broadcast: 13 August 2014