Alan Rawsthorne - Practical Cats

Dive into the captivating world of Alan Rawsthorne's "Practical Cats" album, a symphonic journey that showcases the composer's unique blend of orchestral brilliance and narrative depth. Released on February 1, 2008, under the Dutton Epoch label, this album is a testament to Rawsthorne's versatility and creativity, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes.

The album opens with the enchanting "Street Corner Overture," a piece that sets the stage for the musical adventure that follows. It then delves into the "Madame Chrysanthème Ballet Suite," a four-movement suite that transports you to a world of lantern-lit processions, fierce sword dances, and graceful mousmès. The suite's Allegretto grazioso movement, "Les Mousmès," is particularly noteworthy for its delicate and charming melodies.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Practical Cats: An Entertainment for Speaker and Orchestra." This seven-movement work is a delightful exploration of the feline world, with each movement bringing to life a different cat character. From the playful "The Naming of Cats" to the majestic "Old Deuteronomy," Rawsthorne's orchestration brings a rich tapestry of sounds that will captivate any classical music enthusiast.

The album also features the "Medieval Diptych for Baritone & Orchestra," a two-movement work that showcases Rawsthorne's ability to blend medieval melodies with modern orchestration. The diptych's first movement, "Sodenly afraid," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that will leave a lasting impression.

Finally, the album concludes with the "Coronation Overture," a grand and triumphant piece that brings the album to a close on a high note. Throughout the album, Rawsthorne's compositions are brought to life by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, with Simon Callow providing the spoken word in "Practical Cats."

Alan Rawsthorne's "Practical Cats" is not just an album; it's a symphonic journey that will transport you to a world of enchantment, intrigue, and musical brilliance. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.