Release Date: 18 September 2015
Label: NMC Recordings
Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 5023363021029
Genres: Classical
Description
When Martland died unexpectedly two years ago the outpouring of love and respect from composers, pupils and industry colleagues was immense. He was frequently labelled an anti-establishment maverick (something those close to him would dispute) but there was no doubt he was an individual and an iconoclastic composer, performer and teacher. His refusal to conform to the composer stereotype led him down a pioneering path; he was one of the first to embrace the importance of music education in schools and he surrounded himself with like-minded musicians, set up his own band and toured his music widely.
Martland's music is rooted in the minimalist style and often amplified with propulsive, infectious rhythms more common in jazz and rock. Instrumentation including saxophones, electric guitars, bass, marimba and drum kits give his music a distinctive, edgy timbre, as in Beat the Retreat and Horses of Instruction, but this anthology demonstrates his music could also be distinctly contrasting and poignantly beautiful. Patrol, written for traditional string quartet, is influenced by Scottish folk fiddling, medieval music and the work of Henry Purcell. He explores music from the past again in orchestral piece Crossing the Border, his response to Bach's Chaconne in D minor.
This album shows Martland to be an important voice of his generation of composers and should encourage many new fans to his work.
Tracklisting
Lisa Illean, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, GBSR Duo, Juliet Fraser, Explore Ensemble
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins, Andrew Davis
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, London Sinfonietta, Ryan Wigglesworth, Huw Watkins
Richard Baker
Mark Padmore, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Sinfonietta
Zubin Kanga
Thomas Simaku, soloists of Ensemble Intercontemporain
Onyx Brass
Robert M. Helmschrott
Robert M. Helmschrott
Kevin Juillerat (electronics), Cedric Pecia (prepared piano)
Kaya Han
Helene Breschand, Laurence Bancaud, David Joignaux, Wilhem Latchoumia, Christelle Sery, Fanny Vicens, Wang Ying-Chieh, Ensemble Cairn, L'arsenale
Gunter Schwarze
GrauSchumacher Piano Duo, SWR Experimentalstudio, Michael Acker
Georg Katzer, Matthias Bauer, Margarete Huber, Blaservereinigung Berlin, Bernd Casper, Gregorio Garcia Karman, Evelyn Saylor
