British pianist John McCabe gained considerable popularity as a composer later in life. The chamber works here, all quintets in one way or another if one admits the voice as an instrument, all date from after 2000, and two of them are from the last four years of his life. McCabe flirted with serialism early in his career; it left a mark on the economical structures of works like these, which otherwise fall into the line established by Britten and Tippett. The Silver Nocturnes of the title work refer not to a natural scene, ...
Read More
British pianist John McCabe gained considerable popularity as a composer later in life. The chamber works here, all quintets in one way or another if one admits the voice as an instrument, all date from after 2000, and two of them are from the last four years of his life. McCabe flirted with serialism early in his career; it left a mark on the economical structures of works like these, which otherwise fall into the line established by Britten and Tippett. The Silver Nocturnes of the title work refer not to a natural scene, but to the Silver Poets of the 16th century. The name denoted a kinship with the Silver Age of Roman literature. Sir Philip Sidney was the best known of these poets, and he is represented here. Sample McCabe's setting of "My true love hath my heart": here is a unique confluence of poetic language, musical style, and the marvelously restrained and subtle singing of baritone Roderick Williams. The two instrumental works are in the same vein, not as immediately communicative but equally...
Read Less
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2024 Rovi Corporation.