A Garland for John McCabe
John McCabe was almost a legend in his own lifetime, acknowledged as one of the foremost British composers of our time and also as a brilliant pianist who championed the work of many contemporary composers. Following his recent death, 19 composers wrote pieces in tribute for an ensemble of clarinet, recorder, viola and piano (and variations of the mix) which are now collected into this album which is lovingly dedicated to John’s memory and also to his widow Monica, who was a tireless support and who now works to promote his musical legacy. We are grateful for her contributions to this project.
Leading instrumentalists include Linda Merrick (clarinet) who is Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music; Alistair Vennart (viola) whose career is blooming both as soloist and founder member of the Solem Quartet; 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 a long and distinguished recording and teaching career.
Track Listing
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Peter Dickinson:
- A Rag for McCabe (1:53) John Joubert:
- Exequy (5:49) Edward Gregson:
- John's Farewell (2:09) Robert Saxton:
- A Little Prelude for John McCabe (2:09) Howard Skempton:
- Highland Song (2:34) Elis Pehkonen:
- Lament for the Turtle-Dove (6:19) Robin Walker:
- And Will You Walk Beside Me Down The Lane? (5:03) Malcolm Lipkin:
- In Memoriam John McCabe (2:56) William Marshall:
- Little Passacaglia (4:46) Martin Ellerby:
- Nocturnes and Dawn (Patterdale)(4:54) Rob Keeley:
- Elegy for John McCabe (4:36) James Francis Brown:
- Evening Changes (6:06) Gerard Schurmann:
- Memento (3:27) Anthony Gilbert:
- The Flame Has Ceased (4:46) Christopher Gunning:
- Danse des Fourmis (4:10) David Matthews:
- Chaconne (4:00) Raymond Warren
- In Nomine (7:42) Emily Howard
- Outback (2:26) Gary Carpenter:
- Edradour (2:35)
Reviews
“The sequencing of pieces on this disc creates an engaging flow of sound. The musical languages are tonally centered, and the affect largely contemplative (but not mournful). The timbral combinations capture the listener’s ear. The recording quality of the disc is excellent.
” —Tom Bickley
“We are appreciative of all the composers associated with A Garland for John McCabe, an anthology of tributes from 19 composers to the memory of McCabe. This album is a fitting remembrance for one of England’s finest musicians.
” —Osiris J. Molina
“I found every one of these tributes quite moving, and doubtless John McCabe would have been brought to tears by any one of them. Given that the pieces are well performed by all involved, I have no trouble at all giving this collection an enthusiastic recommendation.
” —David deBoor Canfield
“In many ways, this disc makes me very happy. A more eloquent in memoriam could hardly be imagined, and all credit to Divine Art for hosting this tribute from a total of 19 composers. The disc is a wonderful tribute to a major compositional talent for whom full recognition is yet to come.
” —Colin Clarke
“This record demonstrates the wide-ranging influence [McCabe] had on the musical community.
” —Nathan Faro
“The 19 works collected here form a wonderfully balanced sequence of pieces large and small. Although the prevailing mood is elegiac-to-wistful, there are plenty which remember John’s engaging, pithy sense of humour. The musical styles are many and varied, from the formally dramatic, the abstract, and straightforwardly tonal. Beautifully performed by all four players and recorded to match.
” —Guy Rickards
“A fitting memorial to John McCabe, one in which his friends, colleagues and former students pay him homage in some beautifully performed music. As a whole this is a wonderful set of pieces, with a great variety of styles and make up of ensemble, but throughout the performances are excellent. Peter Lawson’s piano playing is thoughtful and at times evocative of McCabe’s own style, whilst John Turner’s tone is, as ever, beautiful throughout, with the same being true of both that of Linda Merrick and Alistair Vennart, with all performers having a significant part to play in my enjoyment of this disc.
” —Stuart Sillitoe
“This is a fascinating collection of short pieces taking listeners on a highly charged emotional roller-coaster ride, boasting some exceptional compositions convincingly delivered by some exceptionally talented instrumentalists. A magnificent musical monument in memory of a great man… a mesmerising taste of ingenious creativity.
” —Chris Bye
“A glance at the batting order reveals a prodigious and diverse group of composers. The performances by all the artists are convincing, competent and thoroughly engaged. I was impressed by the CD sound, which is clear and well-balanced. This is altogether a charming ‘Garland’ for John McCabe. There is much here to delight, enchant and call to mind one of the most important and best of ‘modern’ composers.
” —John France
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