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

In one sense this is a sequel to the recent '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. Album Tracks 1. Of a Rose Is Al Myn Song 2. Lenten Ys Come 3. Winter Wakeneth Al My Care 4. The Nicht Is Near Gone 5. I. Allegro Moderato 6. II. Poco Lento, Quasi Ciaccona 7. III. Allegro 8. Overture 9. The Naming of Cats 10. The Old Gumbie Cat 11. Gus, the Theatre Cat 12. Bustopher Jones 13. Old Deuteronomy 14. The Song of the Jellicles 15. The Rose Tree 16. I Am of Ireland 17. The Willow Whistle 18. The Little Linden Pipe 19. I. Fugue. Molto Adagio - Solem String Quartet 20. II. Andante - Allegretto - Solem String Quartet 21. III. Molto Allegro Quasi Presto - Solem String Quartet 22. Serenade and Caprice 23. The Buckle 24. The Journey 25. Mount St. Blues