All that a contemporary composer can ask for is a fair chance to be heard by potential listeners. In this 2007 Dutton disc, English composer
Peter Hope is given a fair chance to shine in five distinctly different chamber works: his Serenade for string trio from 2005; his Bramall Hall Dances for recorder, harpsichord, and cello from 2001; his Four Sketches for oboe, bassoon, and piano from 2002; his A Herrick Garland for countertenor, recorder, harpsichord, and cello from 2003; and his Divertimento for guitar and string trio from 2001. In language,
Hope's music is tonal with acerbic touches. In tone, it's clear yet expressive and lucid, yet lyrical. In idiom, it's neo-romantic in harmony and neo-classical in melody. In effect, it's cool but serene, always easy to listen to but without condescending to either the materials or the audience. Uniformly well performed by all involved, particularly by the lean but muscular
Manchester Camerata Ensemble and violinist
Richard Howarth, violist Richard Williamson, and cellist
Jonathan Price, and especially by pliant and poignant countertenor
James Bowman, this disc will give
Hope a fair shot at attracting an international audience. Whether or not he reaches it remains to be seen. Dutton's digital recording is clean, vivid, and colorful.