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Musical Opinion

The world of classical music – certainly in Britain – owed more to John Bowden (1936-2021) that it generally gave him, too often dubbing him a ‘maverick’ in that he fearlessly challenged the oft-repeated beliefs that produced so much that was second-rate or downright wrong in terms of performance understanding. A review of this disc, which is self-evidently issued to mark his passing, is not the place to outline his myriad career, but this issue marks a dual commemoration – from the players he engaged for the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra to the hundreds of recordings he produced for EMI and for his own Enigma company. Although the choice of repertoire – just Beethoven and Schubert – does no more than scratch the surface of his recorded achievements, the artists chosen – John Lil and lan and Jennifer Partridge – are twin marks of the quality of Boyden’s musicianship and abilities as a classical record producer. There will be those who may have also wished for more music from his legacy on these discs, from other composers, but there will be no criticism regarding the choice of artists or the nature of the performances, for they are indicative of the consistently admirable standards which John Boyden set and achieved. At his passing, John had completed his memoirs, and one hopes they will be published soon. It is indicative of this remarkable man’s stature that Her Majesty the Queen (a long-time supporter of John Boyden) has accepted the dedication of this commemorative release, which will surely do much to ensure the continuing validity of the legacy that John Boyden’s long life has bequeathed to later generations.