LOU HARRISON (1917-2003): Symphony No. 2 "Elegiac", ALAN HOVHANESS (1911-2000): Symphony No. 2, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain", Lousadzak for Piano and String Orchestra, Op. 48.

Description: Nimbus has acquired the rights to reissue the catalogue of the defunct American label Musicmasters and in their first release is this coupling from 1989 which, at the time, represented a significant addition to the catalogue for both composers. Now, of course, Harrison and Hovhaness are receiving much greater attention, with nine other versions of the latter's most famous symphony in the catalogues. But this is still the only available recording of Harrison's Second (first sketched in 1942 but only finished in 1975). A strongly spiritual work in five movements lasting just over half an hour, it is a perfect coupling for Hovhaness' music with its calm, serene flow and sense of holiness in an Eastern sense (you'll hear a mode notated by Claudius Ptolemy in 3rd century Alexandria and the use of two harps, piano and tack piano add to the exotic atmosphere). Keith Jarrett (piano), American Composers Orchestra; Dennis Russell Davies. Original 1989 Musicmasters release.