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Posted by Patrick Waller on January 18, 2006, 6:44 pm, in reply to "Malcolm Arnold's 5th Symphony - a masterpiece?"
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There have been discussions before on MusicWeb before about what constitutes a masterpiece. Perhaps the most simple definition is something that makes you personally want to listen to it again (and again). I agree completely that Arnold's Fifth is such a piece - I find it amongst his most compelling works. The recording he made with the CBSO in 1972 is particularly affecting. It is also worth reflecting on the (chaotic) state of his life at the time and on the critics reactions to it in 1961 (though, of course, many masterpieces have had similar initial reactions from critics). The book by Meredith and Harris (reviewed by Paul Serotsky at http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2004/Dec04/Arnold_Rogue.htm) brings out these issues well. I am very glad to hear of the upcoming performance.
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