Williams / Wilkinson / Rowlinson - Rawsthorne & Other Rarities [CD]

In one sense this is a sequel to the recent release 'A Garland for John McCabe' - originally intended as a 2nd album in that set, but it grew to be a full album in it's own right. Now, it is released as a further tribute to McCabe, and features first recordings of works by McCabe's fellow composers. Just as importantly, it is a feast of fine music by British and American composers, all (except one very short track) recorded for the first time, including principally music by Alan Rawsthorne - the early and jolly String Quartet in B minor, the Chamber Cantata, and the piano version of the remarkable 'Practical Cats'. Clare Wilkinson is receiving rave reviews for her work and is a mezzo with beautiful tone; veteran baritone Mark Rowlinson is the fine reciter of 'Cats'. John Turner, one of the leading recorder players of today and former member of many world-renowned early-music ensembles, and pianist Peter Lawson, another highly regarded performer who has played with most top British orchestras and has a long and distinguished recording and teaching career, are joined by keyboard maestro Harvey Davies and the very fine Solem Quartet.