American Record Guide

Howard Skempton’s music has a beguiling simplicity that masks its subtle brilliance just beneath the surface. His compositional choices are so free from ego that the music flows with a natural spontaneity. I’ve favorably reviewed him before and I’m pleased to hear his more eclectic side here. This is all music written for a mix of early, folk, and modern instruments, from hurdy-gurdy to gamelan. Much of it—even the concertos—feels more at home on a city street than a concert hall, be it olden England or Indonesia. The concertos are reduced for chamber forces, sharpening the emphasis on the soloists. The hurdy-gurdy and percussion concerto is particularly satisfying; the hurdy-gurdy gets its moment in the spotlight, never far from its folk roots. The other pieces are charming miniatures and songs. I quite liked the cosmic musings of ‘The Man Hurdy- Gurdy and Me’ and the hypnotic draw of his ‘Highland Dances’ for lute. Skempton’s music is a humble reminder that great music isn’t always intricate. Full texts are included.

—Nathan Faro