RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT (b.1936): Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 - Partita for Orchestra, Reflections on a Sixteenth Century Tune for String Orchestra, Songs before Sleep for Bass-Baritone and Strings, Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song for Cello and String Orchestra

Description: Bennett has written dodecaphonic music, film scores, ballets and jazz (which he performs as well). Previously he kept these activities separate but in the last decade or so he has taken pains to introduce elements of his more approachable styles into his concert music. Everything here dates from 1995 and after and much of it, like the Partita (with a Waltonian vigor) and the two sets of "reflections" are very close to light music in their smooth craftsmanship and easy approachability. The same goes for the song-cycle which sets well-known children's poems ("Wee Willie Winkie", "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and four others) although one might call the music rather more elevated than the texts. Texts included. Jonathan Lemalu (bass-baritone), Paul Watkins (cello), Philharmonia Orchestra; Richard Hickox.