Lloyd: Symphony no 6

Day 282

George Lloyd: Symphony no 6

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

George Lloyd

George Lloyd is an interesting figure. He had some early success but then his music was largely ignored by the musical establishment of the 1950s through to the 1970s on the basis that is was old-fashioned and not worthy of serious attention. But then towards the end of his life the mood changed. Performances started to happen and almost all of his music, including 12 symphonies, was recorded. A society was formed to promote his music. But after his death (1998) that revival rather faded away and now performances of his music are rare.

I don't think that I have heard any of his music before. I chose this symphony simply because at some point I had acquired a CD including it. It dates from 1956 and must have seen very old fashioned at the time. It seems to inhabit a world somewhere between Edwardian light music and smaller late 19th century symphonies. But on its own terms it was very attractive - beautifully put together with an immediacy which which really came across to the listener. The slow movement was particularly beautiful. 

It is very difficult to assess music like this which is so out of its time. From what I understand this is probably the most lightweight of Lloyd's works, and I wonder how he dealt with more emotionally challenging large-scale structures. Perhaps I will do a bit more exploring. But I am certainly glad to have heard this piece. I can see what his music eventually did receive quite a following - a reaction to some of the extremes of the avant garde in the 1960s was certainly one of the factors that brought him back into prominence.