Steve Elcock: Chamber Music, Volume One
The English composer Steve Elcock (b. 1957) spent years writing music without ever expecting it to be heard. The works on this first album of his chamber music show contrasting aspects of his style: the Clarinet Sextet and The Shed Dances are immediately appealing in their melodiousness, harmonic language and mischievous sense of humour, whereas the String Trio No. 1, with its stark juxtaposition of contrasts, and the sextet An Outstretched Hand, which treads a fine line between grief and consolation, both offer powerful comment on our troubled 21st century.
The Veles Ensemble
Daniel Shao, flute (Track 11)
Peter Cigleris, clarinet (Tracks 1–3, 5–11)
Yuri Kalnits, violin (Tracks 1–3)
Leon Bosch, double bass (Tracks 1–3)
Catalina Ardelean, piano (Track 11)
Listen To This Recording:
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Clarinet Sextet, Op. 11b, for clarinet and string quintet (2001/2014)
- I Allego commodo
- II Romanza (Largo – Doppio movimento – Largo)
- III Variations and Theme (Allegro – Meno mosso – Doppio movimento – Più mosso – Tempo commodo – Como in principio)
- Precipitoso – Adagissimo – Andante
- No. 1 Disgruntled waltz: Allegro
- No. 2 Petrified minuet: Tempo di menuetto
- No. 3 Leaden clog dance: Moderato
- No. 4 Boneyard antics: Andante – subito allegro molto – Andante
- No. 5 Marion’s pavane: Andante
- No. 6 Rampant scavenger: Presto
- Largo – Allegro molto – Allegro molto – Largo
String Trio No. 1, Op. 8b (1998/2016)
The Shed Dances, Op. 26b, for clarinet and string trio (2016)
An Outstretched Hand, Op. 24, for flute, clarinet and piano quartet (2015)
FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
‘Its evangelical proprietor Martin Anderson has almost single-handedly unearthed an exciting netherworld of musical creativity which has caught many of us so-called critics unaware – nor has this proved to be merely a tokenistic identification exercise. By hook or by crook Anderson has pulled off one logistical miracle after another, somehow finding the time, the musicians and the funding to record and release a series of discs which is effectively forcing reviewers like me into a radical reappraisal of the British classical scene. […]
The contributions of all eight musicians to the success of this disc are terrific. They approach each of Elcock’s works as though their lives depended on it, and the performances consequently encompass the entire emotional gamut between lightness and intensity. The Toccata sound is impressive too, natural, honest and detailed. This disc represents a first- class calling card for an accomplished, talented and dare I say important composer; lovers of English music shouldn’t miss it on any account.’
—Richard Hanlon, MusicWeb International
Gramophone :
‘This [is an] enormously engaging album […].
—Guy Rickards, Gramophone
Arcana.FM :
‘What’s the music like?
Every bit as engrossing as the works on that earlier release – that is, uncompromising without being unyielding and serious without being (unduly) earnest. […]
Does it all work?
Yes, in almost all respects. It helps when these performances are so evidently attuned to this idiom, teasing subtleties out of the charged formal processes and grating expressive contrasts that are recognizable Elcock traits. The overall programme is carried by the Veles Ensemble, whose tonal finesse and tangible commitment to this music is evident throughout – which is hardly to decry the contributions of those other musicians featured here. Hopefully it should prove possible for these pieces to be heard in public performance on some future occasion.
Is it recommended?
Certainly – not least when the sound is unexceptionally fine, and the composer’s annotations are unfailingly to the point.’
—Richard Whitehouse, Arcana.FM
WTJU :
‘Unaffected by the demands of the professional music world, Elcock developed a tonal style that is remarkably original and appealing. […]
The Shed Dances for clarinet and string trio is a set of six short dances. The names of the movements indicate their playful nature: Disgruntled Waltz, Leaden clog dance, Rampant scavenger, etc. The Veles Ensemble delivers, making this an enjoyable work through and through.
[An Outstretched Hand] is a mature work by a mature composer. This is the music of emotion, and Elcock communicates that emotion quite effectively. […]
The composer provides quite detailed liner notes with this release. In addition to providing background for each piece, he also provides in-depth analysis. There are a generous amount of musical examples provided as well.
Elcock’s music stands on its own merits. You can enjoy these works without knowing a thing about them. But I encourage you to read the liner notes carefully and study the musical examples. If you’re like me, it will lead to a deeper appreciation of Elcock’s artistry.’
—Ralph Graves, WTJU