Arnold & Britten
Sheet Music

SKU: NX.ZEF9653

By Ivan Meylemans, Mathieu van Bellen, and Zeeland Orchestra. By Benjamin Britten and Malcolm Arnold. Classical. CD. Naxos #ZEF9653. Published by Naxos (NX.ZEF9653).

Malcom Arnold wrote his "Four Scottish Dances" inspired by Scottish folk songs and dances. Each of the four has its own pace, vibe and character. The music is light and cheerful and sometimes with a wink. Benjamin Britten completed in 1939 a 3-part violin concert. It is characterized by virtuoso passages and lyrics. Without any doubt, this works reflects the great concern of Britten about the situation in the world, the increasing hostilities in Europe and Asia. In 1940, the work had its premiere in America, the country where Britten composed the work. After the war, the work was seldom played. In recent years it has gained a lot of popularity. Matthieu van Bellen loves this concerto and is one of the younger violinists who has it on his repertoire.