This is a Lyrita release of music they recorded in the 1970s, and will prove very pleasing to many. All of the composers represented here are at least slightly tinged with a deft modernism, some more than others, especially Humphrey Searle (an avowed Serialist who studied with Webern) and Banks (who counts Babbitt, Dallapiccola, and Nono among his mentors). Both of these men turn in substantial horn concertos that take advantage of the instrument’s capabilities without distorting its nature, and also employ strong orchestral forces.
The Searle piece blows by fairly quickly, 12-tone astringent yet softly lyrical at the same time, a fine example of his art. Nicholas Maw (who is definitely a noisy bad boy these days) plays down the tempestuousness here with a composition that actually is redolent of the baroque while never for one moment pretending towards any kind of neoclassicism. I was fondly remembering this work of old, and how Maw actually does know how to compose despite some obvious attempts of late to convince everyone otherwise.
Most of these old Lyrita recordings have a following, and with good reason, as many are classic in status and had great sound and sharp, incisive playing. This one is no different, and should reach many fans and make some new ones.
— Steven Ritter
