Rory Macdonald & RSNO - Thomas Wilson: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5 - American Record Guide

Thomas Wilson (1927-2001) spent most of his career as an academic in Scotland where he advocated and practiced serialism. His music is not harsh and mostly lyrical. Symphony 2 (1965) follows the classical format: sonata form-like opening movement, expressive slow movement, rambunctious finale. Rhythm is clear, without distorted angularity. Counterpoint is clean. The work fits in with conservative British modernism. Symphony 5 (1998) is his final score. It is in a single movement with 6 sections, many very slow. The atmosphere is valedectory, with the atmosphere of Love-Death in the Wagnerian sense. The serialism is mostly in the background, and there is little angularity and a hint of Bergian tonality. It requires sympathy and patience. This is its second recording, the other with the BBC. Wilson is considered “the father of Scottish contemporary music”. His work is impressive and always interesting; he is underrated in this country.