Harrison Birtwistle's orchestral works are a journey into the depths of human emotion, and this album, featuring 'Night's Black Bird', 'The Shadow of Night', and 'The Cry of Anubis', is a testament to his mastery of the genre. Released on 1 April 2012 by NMC Recordings, this collection of premiere recordings spans a decade of the composer's work, from 1994 to 2004.
The album is a meditation on the songs of John Dowland, England's greatest Renaissance composer, and delves into the familiar yet historically distant world of Elizabethan music. 'The Shadow of Night', composed in 2002, is a sprawling orchestral canvas, while 'Night's Black Bird', written in 2004, is a more intimate companion piece. The latter, featuring a prominent tuba solo, acknowledges the formal melancholy of the era, creating a sense of morose reflection.
In contrast, 'The Cry of Anubis' is a more animated and intriguing work, providing a foil to the textures of the other two pieces. Performed by the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth, and featuring Owen Slade on tuba, this album is a showcase of Birtwistle's innovative and subtle sound.
With a total duration of 55 minutes, this album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary classical music. Harrison Birtwistle, one of Britain's leading composers, has received numerous accolades, including a knighthood in 1988, and this collection of works demonstrates why he is regarded as a master of his craft.
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