It’s rare enough to hear a performance of Frank Bridge’s orchestral music in the UK, never mind abroad. So I was surprised and delighted this week to find a beautiful new filmed performance of his suite The Sea made by Frankfurt Radio Symphony, conducted by Alain Altinoglu. This piece made a big impression on the young Benjamin Britten when he heard it in 1924, and its gorgeous swells and glittering scoring certainly makes an enjoyable alternative to the latter’s oft-performed Four Sea Interludes. It’s only a shame a live audience wasn’t in the hall for this Konzert ohne Publikum.
In other Frank Bridge news: Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective will be performing his wonderful Phantasy Piano Quartet at Wigmore Hall on Monday, alongside music by William Grant Still and Dvorák. I’ve written the programme notes – find more info here.