This album features four engaging works by rising young stars of the British contemporary music scene that communicate a real passion for experimentation and exploring new sound worlds. Anna Meredith caused a stir at the Last Night of the Proms 2008 with her daring BBC commission froms, and her two pieces on this release display an equally joyous flair for the dramatic: axeman is a truly awe-inspiring solo for electric bassoon, and flak plays with the contrasts between electronics and live musicians.
Both flak and Ian Vine’s ocre oscuro were created through the London Sinfonietta’s innovative Blue Touch Paper scheme, which gives young composers a laboratory-like opportunity to develop their ideas with musicians. The London Sinfonietta gave the premiere of Emily Hall’s highly-acclaimed first opera Santé in 2006: Think About Space was described as ‘fresh and distinctive’ by Andrew Clements writing in the Guardian.
This release is part of the London Sinfonietta’s 6-volume Jerwood Series, focussing on recent works by young composers working in the UK. The series also celebrates the support the ensemble has given these composers: most of the works were commissioned by or written for the ensemble, and were recorded live at world or London premiere performances.
1 Ian Vine: ocre oscuro
London Sinfonietta / Richard Baker
2 Emily Hall: Think about space
London Sinfonietta / Nicholas Kok
3 Anna Meredith: axeman
John Orford bassoon
4 Anna Meredith: flak
London Sinfonietta / Ryan Wigglesworth
CD only (not available as a download)
FUNDERS
‘We are tremendously grateful for the support of the Jerwood Charitable Foundation, which has enabled us to release these CDs. A recording is the best possible calling card for young composers, and these works deserve the widest audience.’ - London Sinfonietta
RECORDING CREDITS
ocre oscuro was recorded live (World Premiere) by BBC Radio on 8 May 2007 at LSO St Luke's, London. First broadcast on Hear and Now, BBC Radio 3, 2 June 2007. Producer Philip Tagney.
Think about Space was recorded live by BBC Radio on 27 January 2005 at LSO St Luke's, London. First broadcast on Hear and Now, BBC Radio 3, 19 March 2005. Producer Philip Tagney.
axeman was recorded live by BBC Radio on 14 November 2008 at Kings Place, London, with the kind permission of Kings Place Music Foundation. First broadcast on Hear and Now, BBC Radio 3, 22 November 2008. Producer Philip Tagney.
flak was recorded live (World Premiere) by BBC Radio on 30 April 2007 at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Southbank Centre, London. First broadcast on Hear and Now, BBC Radio 3, 8 December 2007. Producer Philip Tagney.
Editing and mastering: Ian Dearden for Sound Intermedia
Catalogue number: SINF CD1-2009