SACDs - McCabe

Texts inspired by the dramatic events of Holy Week and Easter, set to music by some of the greatest Renaissance composers are the basis of this new hybrid SACD from Stile Antico. Included are two settings of the poem 'Woefully arrayed': the first by William Cornysh, the second composed for Stile Antico in 2009 by John McCabe (b. 1939). This is its first recording and Stile's first foray into contemporary music.

Stile Antico is the benchmark ensemble of young British singers, working without a director and conducting much of their own artistic research for their programmes and concise, yet entertaining booklet notes. Much in demand in concert, the group performs regularly throughout Europe and North America. Their recordings on harmonia mundi have enjoyed great success, winning awards, including the 2009 Early Music Gramophone Award for Song of Songs.

Their performances have repeatedly been praised for their vitality and commitment, expressive lucidity and imaginative response to text. Stile Antico’s recent engagements include débuts at the BBC Proms, London’s Wigmore and Cadogan Halls, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, early music festivals in Boston, Bruges, Barcelona and Utrecht, and at the Cervantino Festival in Mexico. The group has toured extensively with Sting, appearing across Europe, Australia and the Far East as part of his Dowland project 'Songs from the Labyrinth', and is regularly invited to lead courses at Dartington International Summer School.

“Vibracones del Alma” is the second recital album from the vibrant young clarinettist Maximiliano Martín.

Together with pianist Scott Mitchell he explores the diversity of European clarinet repertoire and presents a captivating selection of music from composers such as Yuste, McCabe and Romero.

Following on from his acclaimed debut album Fantasía, this programme further establishes Martín as a leading advocate and interpreter of Spanish clarinet music with works from Europe’s leading clarinet composers Antonio Romero y Andía and Miguel Yuste.

Liverpool-born composer John McCabe personally advised Martín with regard to his performance of Pieces for clarinet and piano for this recording, resulting in an insightful and authentic performance.

Charles-Marie Jean Albert Widor’s trademark virtuosity is evident in the Introduction and Rondo, Op. 72. Martín more than meets the demands of the great contrasts of beautifully lyrical phrases and technically complex bravura passages.

Martín won the Young Artists Platform Competition in 2002 and has since performed in the most important concert halls and international festivals establishing himself as one of the most talented and charismatic musicians of his generation.

Martín already has many fans as the popular Principal Clarinet for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and has built an enviable reputation as a soloist with acclaimed performances in his birthplace Tenerife and throughout Europe.

Scott Mitchell performs extensively as a chamber music pianist and accompanist. He has been awarded the Lisa Fuchsova Prize for outstanding chamber music pianist and the Eric Rice Memorial Prize for outstanding accompanist, both at the Royal Overseas League Music Competition in London.

“Vibracones del Alma” is a well-planned programme of some of the best European music for clarinet, played to perfection by Maximiliano Martín accompanied by Scott Mitchell on piano.