Composer: Richard Rodney Bennett
Compositions: Symphony No 1, A History
of the Thé Dansant
Performers: BBC Scottish SO/John Wilson
Catalogue Number: Chandos CHSA5230 (SACD)

If you’re expecting expansive kaleidoscopic film score textures, (Murder on the Orient Express etc), brittle, laconic, Poulencian glitter, or cool jazz-inspired sophistication, you will either be disappointed or intrigued. The liner notes say Bennett’s Symphony No 1, composed in 1965, “reminded many early listeners of Walton or Henze and wears its serialism with elegant flair”. Henze possibly, Walton, I don’t think so. It reminded me of other composers, but they weren’t the two mentioned! I...