Bringing Britain’s musical heritage alive
Founded in 1979, the British Music Society is dedicated to promoting and preserving Britain’s musical heritage with particular emphasis on 20th century composers through recordings, publications and events
Latest features & reviews
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Symphony No 5
This excellent series of VW symphonies continues. Mr Brabbins and his forces have reached number 5 so there are 4 more to go and they are eagerly awaited. He is ‘Mr Reliable’. Like previous issues, his music-making is deeply considered, and paced and shaped with certainty, with the result being a very satisfying experience.
TAVENER: No Longer Mourn for Me
… taken from Tavener’s set of Three Shakespeare Sonnets, originally composed for the South Iceland Chamber Choir is No Longer Mourn for Me. Although by far the shortest work, it gives its name to the whole CD. It sounds absolutely delicious in this version for eight cellos by Steven Isserlis.
Glasgow Bells: Organ Music by Alan Gibb & Friends
The first three works are unusual since they use different instruments along with the organ. The first of these gives its title to the CD as a whole. It is Glasgow Bells.
Based on an earlier composition by Gibbs, Glasgow Toccata, it brings together master organist Kevin Bowyer famed for his prowess with ‘very difficult music’, and celebrated percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.