Certainly, you all know by now how enthusiastic I am about unusual, neglected, and worthwhile repertoire. Here’s a composer who is so neglected, he didn’t even turn up in my birthday references for today – or at any rate, those I checked – Richard Arnell (1917-2009), known to his friends as Tony.

A few years ago, when WPRB 103.3 FM still had five hours a day devoted to classical music, I hosted a marathon tribute to Arnell on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth. To this end, I had the support of two of the composer’s younger friends – Patrick Jonathan, who now makes his home in Malaysia, and Warren Cohen, who is music director of the MusicaNova Orchestra, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Both of them were very generous with their time, sharing anecdotes, recordings, and, in the case of Patrick, historic documents. As luck would have it, Cohen actually makes his home in New Jersey, just about hour away. So he was able to drive down and join me for an in-studio interview.

If you missed it, here’s a link to our conversation. MusicaNova is a fascinating organization whose mission it is to present “the greatest music you’ve never heard – yet.” In fact, Cohen has conducted first American performances of a number of Arnell’s major works. The sound file includes a MusicaNova performance of Arnell’s Symphony No. 5 – subtitled “The Gorilla” (!) – and Cohen’s gorgeous arrangement for string orchestra, sanctioned by the composer, of the “Elegy” from Arnell’s String Quartet No. 3.

Learn more about this neglected English master, who was championed by Beecham, Stokowski, and Bernard Herrmann, by listening here:

Happy birthday, Tony Arnell!