Malaga Po/Mann - Rodney Newton: Orchestral Music, Volume One: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4, Distant Nebulae

Rodney Newton (b. 1945) earned his living as an orchestral timpanist and percussionist, becoming known primarily for his works for brass bands. Until now, his substantial output for orchestra has remained completely unknown. This first recording of two early symphonies reveals a composer with a strong sense of melody, drama and colour, in the tradition of such earlier British symphonists as Vaughan Williams and Arnold. The tone poem Distant Nebulae, inspired by Charles Ives� The Unanswered Question, reflects the vastness of the heavens in music of understated beauty and elegance.