The NMC Songbook

Another fantastic release from NMC!

     

There are songs from over 90 british contemporary composers on the NMC Songbook; most major British composers are on here (with the exceptions of Brian Ferneyhough, Oliver Knussen, George Benjamin, Steven Martland, Dominic Muldoney and Richard Barrett). Unsurprisingly this is a very diverse collection of songs, and a fascinating cross-section of British classical music composition today. Most voices are used, and the accompanying instruments range from piano and marimba to ratchetts and electronics. There is also a range in the tonality of songs - from a traditional tonality e.g. Houses and Gardens in the Heart of England by John White, to wordless vocalises and electronic music. The texts set include poetry by Blake, a football chant, a national trust leaflet and occasionally poetry by the composers. All are united by the theme "Britain". I would recommend anyone remotely interested in contemporary classical music - whether you don't know anything about it and want an accessible introduction to Peter Maxwell Davies to listen to some songs. It's well worth getting into, and some of the songs are absolutely beautiful. The reviewer's favourite song is Shining Plain by Anthony Powers.