Rory Macdonald & RSNO - Thomas Wilson: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5 - The Scotsman

The RSNO has followed up its previous pairing of Thomas Wilson symphonies Nos 3 & 4 with another, Nos 2 & 5, which means we now have an instructive and effectively complete record of the symphonic output of one of Scotland’s most significant 20th century composers. Wilson jettisoned No 1, so this Second Symphony of 1965 is where the story starts. It is typical of its time: pragmatically post-Bartok in style, intellectually austere, but remarkably precise and punchy in its directional purpose. Conductor Rory Macdonald elicits a performance of rhythmic vigour and emotional heft. The final Fifth Symphony, premiered three years before Wilson’s death in 2001, speaks with more comforting reassurance, but not without echoes of that same excitability driving the earlier work. It’s the juxtaposition of these extremes, and their journey towards resolution, that bring this symphony to life. Wilson’s music has been neglected since his death. Here’s the reason that should change.