ELISABETH LUTYENS (1906-1983): Quincunx for Baritone, Soprano and Orchestra, Op. 44 (Josephine Neddick [soprano], John Shirley-Quirk [baritone], BBC Symphony Orchestra; Norman Del Mar), And Suddenly it's Evening for Tenor and Chamber Ensemble, Op. 66 (Herbert Handt [tenor], Members of the BBC SO), DAVID BEDFORD (b.1937): Music for Albion Moonlight for Soprano, Flute, Clarinet, Melodica,Piano, Violin and Cello (Jane Manning [soprano], Members of the BBC SO; John Carewe).

Description: Lutyens' Quincunx is a remarkably original work, blending elements of second-Viennese vocabulary, an elegiac Mahlerian nachtmusik mood and a masterly economy of gesture which nonetheless permits a huge expressive and emotional range. The shadowy textures conjured from the diverse instrumental groupings (including an ethereal wordless soprano passage, an unexpected and superb touch) contrast with bold tutti passages for full orchestra. The luminous And suddenly..., setting poems by Salvatore Quasimodo, creates an unsettling, melancholy atmosphere, suggesting barely suppressed violence. Bedford's work sets poems by Kenneth Patchen (Albion Moonlight is a character in one of Patchen's novels) in highly theatrical style, with brutal instrumental outbursts and screaming vocalizations, interspersed with fragmentary rustlings and moments of atmospheric tranquility. Original 1969 and 1970 Argo LP releases.