British composer Malcolm Arnold, noted for his versatility and accessibility, has enjoyed considerable success. Early in his career, the musical elite was critical of his music, considering it too facile and lacking depth. In spite of this, his work has been very popular with the public and fellow musicians. The Commonwealth Christmas Overture, commissioned by the BBC in 1957, was written to commemorate the 25th anniversary of King George V's first Christmas broadcast. It starts as a thoroughly amiable homage to royalty in the tradition of William Walton's Orb & Sceptre (1953) or Crown Imperial (1937). This leads into a very tranquil, idyllic setting on a peacefully snowy night in merry old England, perhaps. But then, abruptly, we are reminded that they celebrate Christmas in other parts of the Commonwealth as well. About 11 minutes into the piece we are magically transported to the Caribbean, electric guitars, percussion and all (in an admirable display of Arnold's comfort in a variety of musical styles). Shimmering tremolos in the strings serve as a transition back to the opening material, returning to British soil once again.



© All Music Guide