Matthew Taylor: Chamber Music, Volume Three: Music for Winds
The English composer and conductor Matthew Taylor (b. 1964) readily confesses to a fascination with the music of Carl Nielsen. Several of the works here take their inspiration directly from Nielsen; another is a tribute to Vagn Holmboe, the leading Danish composer in the generation after Nielsen. As with Nielsen’s own music for winds, Taylor’s shows a similar blend of symphonic purpose and bucolic humour.
The Waldegrave Ensemble
Listen To This Recording:
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Serenata Trionfale for Wind Octet, Op. 34 (2006)
- I. Andante moderato
- II. Vivacissimo
- IIII. Allegretto molto teneramente
- IV. Adagio liberamente – Presto con spirito
- I. Preludio festivo: Presto spiritoso –
- II. Hornpipe: Allegro moderato –
- III. Pensive Waltz: Poco adagio –
- IV. Habanera: L’istesso tempo –
- V. Tarantella: Vivacissimo –
- VI. Pastorale: Adagio teneramente –
- VII. Epilogue: Presto spiritoso
- Trio in memoriam VH for Flute Viola and Cello Op. 21: I. Allegretto innocente
- Trio in memoriam VH for Flute Viola and Cello Op. 21: II. Allegretto
- Trio in memoriam VH for Flute Viola and Cello Op. 21: III. Moderato
- SkaÌŠl! for Wind Quintet
- Introduction and Capriccio for Wind Octet Op. 7
Wind Quintet, Op. 51 (2014–15)
Trio in memoriam VH for Flute, Viola and Cello, Op. 21 (1997, 2018)
SkaÌŠl! for Wind Quintet (2004)
Introduction and Capriccio for Wind Octet Op. 7 (1990)
FIRST RECORDINGS
Arcana.fm :
‘What’s the story?
A further disc from Toccata Classics of Matthew Taylor (b. 1964) focussing on his not inconsiderable output for wind ensemble, played by musicians who have worked with this composer on numerous occasions and have a sure understanding of his unmistakable idiom. […]
Does it all work?
Yes. Taylor has an instinctive feel for wind instruments (not surprising given he played the oboe during his formative years), evident throughout those works featured here – idiomatic and innovative despite (or even because of?) the absence of ‘advanced’ playing techniques.
Is it recommended?
Indeed. Performances by the Waldegrave Ensemble and associated musicians do full justice to this music’s distinctive qualities, abetted by a recording that affords clarity without undue closeness of perspective. Taylor himself provides the informative and amusing booklet notes.’
—Richard Whitehouse, Arcana.fm