Richard Addinsell: Drifting (1948)

Richard Addinsell is best recalled for his highly romantic Warsaw Concerto, written for the 1941 movie Dangerous Moonlight. This was written as a pastiche of Rachmaninov and is highly successful at that.

Drifting is very different in mood and tone. There is no attempt at producing a “pot-boiler.” This piece simply explores the thoughts of the composer whilst on a boat trip on the Thames, perhaps. It is tranquil, leisurely, and serene. There is nothing to disturb the glorious summer’s day outing. Maybe he is with a special friend.

Opening with a gentle woodwind figure, unfolds as a “barcarolle.” Formally, the piece is a little rondo, with the recurring theme interspersed by several short episodes. The main theme is never far away from the composer’s mind. Sometimes presented with sweeping Mantovani-style strings and at other times on the oboe.  Sadly, the piece does not linger, and is over in the length of time it takes to play one side of a 78rpm record.

The piece was written in 1948, for the Chappell Recorded Music Library. It would appear to have been arranged by Sydney Torch, for performance by the Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra.

Richard Addinsell’s Drifting can be heard on YouTube, here.