James Weeks: SIGNS OF OCCUPATION, msv 28559 (Spotify, Apple Music)
Actually released way back in September, I only came across this today and was attracted by its grungy back-to-basics approach. To see what I mean you can read a very thoughtful review of the disk, here. Or better still, have a listen.
Paul Ruders: SYMPHONY NO. 5, Bridge 9475 (Spotify, Apple Music)
The first recording of the composer’s latest symphony, performed by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. The music is energetic and pretty accessible, especially in the frentic dance-inspired final movement.
Jonathan Dove: FOR AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER, Signum Classics (Spotify, Apple Music)
A cantata to mark the centenary of the First World War with choral performances from tenor Nicky Spence, the Oxford Bach Choir and Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir. The work is paired with An Airmail Letter from Mozart, directed from the piano by Melvyn Tan.
Richard Wernick: VOLUME 3, Bridge 9480 (Spotify, Apple Music)
The survey of Wernick’s music continues with performances of his Concerto for Cello and Ten Players, Piano Trio No. 1 and Sextet. Music of brittle beauty, worth investigation.
Vásquez, Sierra, Liang and Paredes: CUATRO CORRIDOS: A CHAMBER OPERA, Bridge 9473 (Spotify, Apple Music)
Four composers, two Mexican and two from the U.S. set a libretto by Jorge Volpi. Distinct voices but a satisfying whole.
Vyacheslav Artyomov: ON THE THRESHOLD OF A BRIGHT WORLD, dda 25143 (Spotify, Apple Music)
Artyomov’s Symphony On the Threshold of a Bright World and Ave Atque Vale for percussion and orchestra are both works of brooding power. The final work, Ave, Crux Alba is rather surprising…
Mark Bowden: SUDDEN LIGHT, NMC D214
Orchestral works from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales’s former Composer in Residence. There’s a nice review of the disk, here.
Hans Zender: ADÓNDE? WOHIN?, WER 73362 (Apple Music)
Subtleties of harmony from a composer who, dissatisfied with equal temperament, has divided the octave into as many as 72 microintervals. There are four pieces: ¿Adónde? Wohin? for violin, soprano and instruments; Oh Bosques|Oh Wälder for soprano, choir and orchestra; ¿Por qué? Warum? for choir in two groups a cappella; and Oh Cristallina… for three groups of vocalists and instruments.
Rolf Riehm: SHIFTING/ ARCHIPEL REMIX, WER 73572 (Apple Music)
A violin concerto and a suite for large orchestra and electronics from German composer Rolf Riehm. Dense and intensely serious music.
Various: WAR MEMORIALS, NMC D226 (Spotify, Apple Music)
The Tredegar Town Band play a selection of music by Robin Holloway, Lucy Pankhurst, John McCabe, Simon Dobson, Paul McGhee and Gavin Higgins. Britten’s cumulative Fanfare for St Edmundsbury also provides a framework for responses by four of the composers.
Nico Muhly & Teitur: CONFESSIONS DIGITAL MP3 ALBUM, Nonesuch (Spotify, Apple Music)
A collaboration between acclaimed American composer Nico Muhly and Faroese singer/songwriter Teitur, with performances from Holland Baroque.