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
BCMG
Gerry Cornelius, Ryan Wigglesworth conductors
AUDIO
REVIEWS
THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2014
IRR OUTSTANDING RECORDING
"One of the most highly regarded among NMC'S Debut Discs, this anthology gives a viable overview of Causton's earlier development from auspicious beginnings to mature mastery." Gramophone
Part of NMC's acclaimed Debut Discs series.
Catalogue no: NMCD192
Release date: 3 March 2014