ARNOLD COOKE (1906-2005): Symphony No. 4 (BBC Symphony Orchestra; John Pritchard. World Premiere Performance Jan 15, 1975. mono), Symphony No. 5 (BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra; Bernard Keeffe. broadcast July 17, 1981. mono).

Description: Two more examples of Cooke’s cogency, clarity of orchestration and mastery of form with the flavors of Bruckner (the primordial brass theme in the Fourth’s first movement and the striding opening of its finale) and Hindemith (throughout in the orchestration although Cooke’s love of wind instruments, especially in slow movements, is all his own). The Fifth’s scherzo’s trio even has echoes of Vaughan Williams-ish folk song but taut and driving energy characterizes all of both symphonies’ fast movements. Mono? So what?