Don't laugh, but after 24 years of listening I've finally stumbled
across the music of Malcolm Arnold--his "Dances." I was so impressed by
the color, rhythms and melodiousness of the music that I went right out
and bought his Symphony 2, 5, and the Peterloo Overture with the Arnold
and Groves conducting.  (Those afraid of '73 sound, don't be--could have
been recorded yesterday).

The Peterloo Overture...besides the unbelievably effective snare drum
interruption during the beginning's pastoral goings on, (it's the Nielsen
that never was), what a gorgeous string melody towards the end!  I didn't
know that there were "big string melodies" left like this to uncover.
(Neo-romantic "big melodies" always remind me of old men in toupees and
make up).

With all the hubbub over Britten and Walton, who, to me, often sound as
if they're trying too hard, (I'll keep trying), what a surprise to find
that Arnold's music falls upon the ear as easily as it delights and
surprises.  The best "undiscovered" composer I've met since Novak.

John Smyth