Shop Now

British Music Society

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.

The 19-piece anthology – pulled together over recent years by the eminent British recorder player, John Turner – is a fitting tribute to the outstanding Liverpudlian pianist and composer, the late John McCabe, who sadly passed away in 2015. It is a magnificent musical monument in memory of a great man.

Expressive compositions enshrine a microcosmic world of many contrasts. Moods of happiness, sadness, melancholy, humour and sheer mischief make this release far more than a dirge. It is a mesmerising taste of ingenious creativity which expresses heartfelt thanks for McCabe’s brilliantly creative musical life. A posthumous garland indeed.

A former president of the British Music Society, McCabe was popular among his colleagues and he fought hard for their rights as an active member of the Performing Rights Society. The arts world in general and his surviving family will be very proud of this rare honour.

An arresting combination of minimal but clever scores for piano, strings and woodwind flex the muscular power of music which has all the impact of a full scale symphony orchestra.

Here are finely-tuned and articulate contributions, particularly from the versatile clarinet of Linda Merrick, (she is also principal of Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music). Impeccable finger-work from John Turner (recorders) and Alistair Vennart (viola) bring these small scores to life. Vibrant keyboard playing from the expert hands of Peter Lawson (piano) give constant successful support.

This is well-conceived music, negotiating powerful journeys. It travels through the mournful and plaintive, Exequy or The Flame Has Ceased through to the haunting and mellow Highland in direct contrast with the perkier and rhythmic works like Rag for McCabe. This is a celebration rather than funereal music.

Lament for the Turtledove written by Elis Pehkonen gives a tremendous display of Ms Merrick’s highly-accomplished clarinet playing which enjoys thoughtful piano support.

The longest piece In nomine by Raymond Warren (7:42) features some dreamy recorder playing with chirpy piano accompaniment. Robert Saxton joins the memorial celebration with a charming two-minute contribution appositely entitled A Little Prelude for John McCabe.

This is small-scale but edifying music from 19 composers that are all well worthy of lauding the hallowed McCabe name.