This is the third disc in the London Sinfonietta’s Jerwood Series,
a set of six discs of live recordings of works by young British-based
composers, funded by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation. The series
provides an excellent way for audiences to experience these works
with minimum outlay (the CDs retail at much less than the price
of a concert ticket) and demonstrate some of the best young compositional
talent that this country has to offer. The three composers presented
on this disc demonstrate a consistent quality in their work, and
the pieces are all well written and interesting to listen to.
Jonathan
Cole’s
Testament is a slow-moving, atmospheric work, which makes
use of textures and timbral changes to create a sense of gradual
evolution throughout the duration of the piece. Composed in
tribute to Sue Knussen, the piece contains references to Stravinsky
and Debussy, as well as a musical notation of the word ‘Sue’
(E flat and E) which forms the foundation of its harmonic language.
This is a deep-felt work, which engages the listener throughout.
Ben
Foskett’s
single movement Violin Concerto, excellently performed
here by Clio Gould, places the solo violin against an ensemble
which is otherwise devoid of violins, allowing the solo line
to dominate. It is clear from the outset that Foskett’s imagination
for orchestration is worthy of note; his brass writing is particularly
well-conceived, with some wonderful colours coming from the
harmonies and punctuated chords. The piece builds in intensity
throughout its 16 minute duration, with an intensely difficult
orchestral part performed convincingly and with panache by the
London Sinfonietta. There is a breathtakingly beautiful moment
[12:02] where the violin plays unaccompanied at the top
of its register. The stark simplicity is an almost shocking
contrast to the complex rhythms that have built up, and the
effect is dramatic. The ensemble re-enters and joins the violin
in a series of chords which build in intensity and dynamic,
with the sense that the whole ensemble may explode. This is
dramatic and exciting music; Foskett is clearly a composer to
watch.
The
final work on the disc comes from Luke Bedford, Foskett’s
contemporary at the Royal College of Music, and the newly-appointed
composer in residence at the Wigmore Hall. Another high quality
composition, Or Voit Tout En Aventure comprises six movements
which are heard more or less as a continuous work. There is
one short pause between the fourth and fifth movements. The
texts come from medieval French and Italian and were originally
used as song texts in the 14th century. Bedford’s sound-world is rich
and luxurious, and Claire Booth’s stunning voice is complemented
well by the surrounding orchestration. This is an intoxicating
work which holds much appeal.
This
is a fantastic initiative, which brings attention to some highly
worthy talent. All three works on this disc are excellent and
highly enjoyable. For a listener who wanted to explore some
new repertoire, this would be the perfect place to start.
Carla Rees
see also Review
by Anne Ozorio
