THE RESONANCE ATLAS
William Alwyn
Biography
William Alwyn (1905–1985) was an English composer, flautist and teacher whose work ranges from symphonies and concertos to chamber music and film scores. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and later taught there. His substantial output includes five symphonies and numerous works for wind instruments, reflecting an enduring interest in instrumental colour and clarity.
Why this music interests us
Alwyn's Concerto for Flute and Eight Wind Instruments (1980) is a particularly compelling example of the accomplished British wind repertoire that Resonance wants to bring into live performance. Its combination of a solo flute with pairs of oboes, clarinets, horns and bassoons creates a distinctive chamber-orchestral sound. His wider catalogue offers opportunities to explore a composer whose music rewards attention beyond the concert-hall staples.
Selected works & listening
Concerto for Flute and Eight Wind Instruments (1980; solo flute, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 bassoons); chamber and orchestral works
Further information