OLIVER DAVIS (b.1972): Flight (Concerto for Violin and Strings), Voyager (Concerto for Violin, Piano and Strings), Skyward, Air Waltz, Epilogue, Airborne Dances for Violins, 2 Violas, Cello and Double Bass.

Description: Appealing and thoroughly approachable, tonal works by a composer with wide experience of film, TV and ballet music, all of which lend an attractive accessibility to the idiom. Broadly, the pieces occupy the middle ground where the neo-baroque concerto or concerto grosso (the concerti involve a concertino group in addition to the soloist or soloists) meets the repetitive gestures of minimalism, to lively, buoyant effect. The slow movement of Flight and sections of Voyager that suggest the sense of wonder at the amazing journey of the space probe that inspired the work are more neo-romantic; the short pieces are more popular and minimalistic in style. The suggestion of historically earlier styles in a minimalist context occasionally suggests an affinity with Nyman, but the music is easier-going, less abrasive and less prone to dark undercurrents than much of Nyman, and unmistakably Glassian gestures are more accompanimental than is usual in 'pure' minimalism. Several movements of exclusively or largely pizzicato texture add variety and a hint of folk dance. Kerenza Peacock (violin), London Symphony Orchestra; Paul Bateman.