"Manchester Accents" by the Northern Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Ward, is a captivating journey through the rich musical tapestry of Manchester's contemporary classical scene. This album, released on 25 June 2025 by ASC Records, showcases the works of composers deeply connected to the city, including Terence Greaves, Anthony Gilbert, Eric Fogg, John McCabe, Thomas Pitfield, John Manduell, and James Langley.
The Northern Chamber Orchestra, the oldest professional chamber orchestra in the North West, delivers exemplary performances in this collection of chamber and orchestral works. The recording, set in a resonant acoustic, highlights the orchestra's precision and the composers' distinctive voices. The album spans a variety of styles and moods, from the playful "Another Dream Carousel" by Anthony Gilbert to the evocative "Seascape: A Children’s Suite" by Eric Fogg, and the intricate "Theme and Variations" by Thomas Pitfield.
With a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, "Manchester Accents" offers a diverse and engaging exploration of Manchester's musical heritage. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a delightful listening experience, showcasing the talent and creativity of both the composers and the Northern Chamber Orchestra.
2024 Prima Facie2024 Prima Facie
Tracks
Greaves: Rondino for piano and small orchestraTerence Greaves, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Gilbert: Another Dream Carousel for string orchestraAnthony Gilbert, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Fogg: Seascape: A Children’s Suite for small orchestra - I. Sea HuntingWalter Carroll, Eric Fogg, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Fogg: Seascape: A Children’s Suite for small orchestra - II. Mermaid's LullabyWalter Carroll, Eric Fogg, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Fogg: Seascape: A Children’s Suite for small orchestra - III. Dwarfs in the MistWalter Carroll, Eric Fogg, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Fogg: Seascape: A Children’s Suite for small orchestra - IV. The Echo NymphWalter Carroll, Eric Fogg, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Fogg: Seascape: A Children’s Suite for small orchestra - V. Samoan's DanceWalter Carroll, Eric Fogg, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
McCabe: Two Dances from “Mary, Queen of Scots” - I. Country Dance for Queen ElizabethJohn McCabe, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
McCabe: Two Dances from “Mary, Queen of Scots” - II. Riccio's Lute DanceJohn McCabe, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Pitfield: Theme and Variations for string orchestra - I. ThemeThomas Pitfield, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Pitfield: Theme and Variations for string orchestra - II. Minuet and TrioThomas Pitfield, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Pitfield: Theme and Variations for string orchestra - III. Air and CanonThomas Pitfield, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Pitfield: Theme and Variations for string orchestra - IV. MazurkaThomas Pitfield, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Pitfield: Theme and Variations for string orchestra - V. HymnThomas Pitfield, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Pitfield: Theme and Variations for string orchestra - VI. FinaleThomas Pitfield, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Manduell: Diversions for chamber orchestra - I. AllegroJohn Manduell, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Manduell: Diversions for chamber orchestra - II. AndanteJohn Manduell, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Manduell: Diversions for chamber orchestra - III. ScherzoJohn Manduell, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Manduell: Diversions for chamber orchestra - IV. Adagio - AllegroJohn Manduell, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Langley: Four Movements for string orchestra - I. AubadeJames Langley, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Langley: Four Movements for string orchestra - II. ScherzoJames Langley, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Langley: Four Movements for string orchestra - III. CavatinaJames Langley, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Langley: Four Movements for string orchestra - IV. Moto PerpetuoJames Langley, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
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