If you're thinking of trying a single disc of the symphonic music of William Alwyn, you might think about trying this one of his Fourth Symphony coupled with his Sinfonietta for string orchestra with
David Lloyd-Jones leading the
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The Fourth is probably Alwyn's strongest in the genre, a three-movement work with direct but powerful themes, persuasive forms, and an earnest sincerity that is entirely convincing. The Sinfonetta is a more auster but still potent work of remarkable expressive intensity.
Lloyd-Jones is a fine conductor with an obvious fondness for the straightforward art of Alwyn and the
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is a first-rate provincial English orchestra giving all of its professionalism along with a considerable portion of dedication to Alwyn's colorful and dramatic music. If you already know and love the late symphonies of
Vaughan Williams and are looking for something similar but leaner and slightly more modern, Alwyn's Fourth may be just the thing. Naxos' sound is warm, deep, and full.