Eugene Goossens: Sinfonietta

Eugene Goossens (1893-1962): Sinfonietta
John Hopkins conducting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Famous as much for his conducting and soloist instrumental performances as he is for his compositions, Goossens has been claimed by many as a British composer, an American composer, and an Australian composer, depending upon the writer of the moment. As to ownership in the realm of music, Goossens had this to say: "Music is the birthright of the people. The great composers whose music is timeless have a message for all who will hear it. Music is not the property of a small group of initiates or a privileged few to whom its secrets are alone vouchsafed. It exists for our enjoyment, physically, mentally and spiritually..." - Eugene Goossens.
This Sinfonietta is a true hard-to-find work by Goossens. It is a delightful work worthy of performance, but unfortunately this recording is missing the past few bars of the conclusion most likely due to the use of acetate reel tape which frequently loses its tails though sheer brittleness under normal wear and tear conditions. Combine that physical weakness with cavalier keepers and copiers who have not paid enough attention to tape storage preservation procedures, breakage and repair needs, and we find ourselves lucky even to end up with (in this case) a slightly truncated recording.
As I can find no other copy, and until someone out there uploads a complete recording of the Sinfonietta, this one will have to suffice. I know it will gratify the connoisseur of recorded rarities, so I make no apologies. Therefore, with that said, listen and enjoy one of Goossens lesser heard but very worthy orchestral works...minus about the last 30 seconds of the finale.