Nottingham Evening Post

Composer Judith Weir’s native Aberdeen probably inspired the album’s title. Hers is the shortest of three pieces featured, each of them written within the last 20 years. Bridget Carey’s viola figures prominently in Weir’s stark yet elusive musical landscape.

Yorkshireman John Casken also qualifies as a northerner, albeit another whose vision transcends region. The movement headings give an idea of his energetic String Quartet No. 2: “with piquant verve,” “ jazzy obstinacy,” “haunted fascination” and “playful determination.”

Robert Saxton’s Songs, Dances and Ellipses progress in five continuous sections, with a still, calm voice at their heart. Recorded at the turn of the millennium, the Kreutzers respond brilliantly to all their music’s mercurial demands.

—Peter Palmer