Millennium Scenes was written in 1998-99: rather than an empty celebration of the turn of a century, the composer writes that 'I had in mind a series of fleeting images... - a TV commercial, perhaps, a couple arguing, laughter, a dead animal on the road, religious fervour, a child being hit - almost anything, in fact, but all of them real events taking pace around the turn of the millennium.'

By contrast with the massive orchestra of Millennium Scenes, Notturno explores the night landscapes evoked by poet Salvatore Quasimodo, while As Kingfishers Catch Fire exploits the colours of flute, clarinet, harp and string quartet.  Chamber Symphony, which closes the album, juxtaposes ideas of the mechanical and natural, partly inspired by the composer's fascination with the writings of William Blake.

Hallé

Nicholas Collon conductor

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

Gerry Cornelius, Ryan Wigglesworth conductors

Buy Now

NMC Recordings is an award-winning record label with charitable status. They believe that new music is a dynamic and engaging art-form and seek to inspire and challenge audiences.