Songs of the Sky (2009)

performed by Adrian Bending (percussion), Alina Ibragimova (violin), Beatrix Lovejoy (violin), Caroline Dearnley (cello), Catherine Musker (viola), Charles Daniels (tenor), Clare Finnimore (viola), Hugh Watkins (piano), Jacqueline Shave (violin)
composed by Huw Watkins, Jason Yarde, John Tavener, Steve Martland, Tarik O'Regan

Songs of the Sky includes five chamber and vocal pieces commissioned from British composers by the Britten Sinfonia soon after the turn of the twenty first century. The variety of styles represented is a testimony to the diversity and dynamism of contemporary British composition. Steve Martland's Tiger Dancing, for string ensemble, refers to Blake's "Tyger," and has the character of a perpetuum mobile, with the rhythmic drive of a hoedown combined with the harmonies and sonorities of East Asian gamelan. It manages to sound ... Read More

Songs of the Sky includes five chamber and vocal pieces commissioned from British composers by the Britten Sinfonia soon after the turn of the twenty first century. The variety of styles represented is a testimony to the diversity and dynamism of contemporary British composition. Steve Martland's Tiger Dancing, for string ensemble, refers to Blake's "Tyger," and has the character of a perpetuum mobile, with the rhythmic drive of a hoedown combined with the harmonies and sonorities of East Asian gamelan. It manages to sound integrated, though, and has an inescapably compelling energy. Huw Watkins' evocative Dream, for violin, clarinet, and piano, mostly has the quality of a reverie, occasionally interrupted by outbursts of nervous agitation, with the unpredictability and volatility characteristic of dreams. Raï, by Tarik O'Regan is scored for a mixed chamber ensemble, prominently including two percussionists. The Middle Eastern tone of much of the music reflects the influence of the composer's childhood... Read Less