Bliss: The Composer Conducts

Immerse yourself in the world of Sir Arthur Bliss, a renowned composer and conductor, with his upcoming album "Bliss: The Composer Conducts." This live recording, set to release on June 20, 2025, under SOMM Recordings, offers a rare opportunity to experience Bliss's own interpretations of his works. The album spans two discs and a duration of 2 hours and 35 minutes, featuring 18 tracks that showcase Bliss's versatility and mastery as both a composer and conductor.

The album opens with "A Colour Symphony, Op. 24, F. 106," a four-movement work that explores the emotional and symbolic associations of different colors. Each movement is performed live, offering a unique insight into Bliss's conducting style and the expressive power of his music. The symphony is followed by the "Piano Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 58, F. 108," performed live with pianist John Ogdon, showcasing Bliss's ability to blend lyrical melodies with rhythmic complexity.

The album also features Bliss's "Morning Heroes, F. 32," a five-movement work inspired by the Trojan War, performed live with the BBC Chorus and Choral Society. This dramatic and evocative piece highlights Bliss's skill in creating vivid musical narratives. The album concludes with the "Concerto for 2 Pianos & Orchestra, F. 110," arranged for piano three hands and orchestra by Clifford Phillips, and "Mêlée fantasque, F. 119," both performed live.

Throughout the album, Bliss's conducting is characterized by its fluency and rhythmic freedom, as he moulds the orchestral accompaniment around the words and music with a deep understanding of his own compositions. The performances are brought to life by a stellar cast of musicians, including pianists John Ogdon, Cyril Smith, Phyllis Sellick, and Donald Douglas, and the BBC Chorus and Choral Society.

"Bliss: The Composer Conducts" is a testament to Sir Arthur Bliss's enduring legacy as a composer and conductor. This album offers a unique opportunity to experience his music as he intended it to be heard, providing a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's most important musical figures.