Get ready to be blown away by the sheer brilliance of John McCabe's "edgy, lucid" compositions! A game-changing new album has landed, shining a spotlight on the late British pianist and composer's original works. The Signum label has pulled out all the stops, teaming up with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Kenneth Woods' masterful direction, alongside acclaimed cellist Raphael Wallfisch taking centre stage in McCabe's 2007 Cello Concerto.
This release is a major coup for fans of classical music, not least because it brings long-overdue premiere recordings to the fore. We're talking about McCabe's sublime Cello Concerto – subtitled Songline – and his magnificent Symphony No. 3, Hommages, penned way back in 1978, alongside his 1971 Symphony No. 2. It's a chance for listeners to immerse themselves in McCabe's unique musical language, and trust us, it's worth every minute.
The breadth of McCabe's style is on full display here. His Symphony No. 2 is a tense, edgy masterpiece that explores the dark themes of cyclical violence, while Songline takes its cue from ancient Aboriginal pathways, conjuring up a restless, searching quality that Raphael Wallfisch brings to life with breathtaking eloquence. Both pieces are lauded for their clarity and lucidity, with textures remaining razor-sharp even within compositions of immense colour and scope.
But it's in the Symphony No. 3, Hommages, where McCabe really pulls out all the stops. This is a lush, densely woven soundworld that subtly nods to the greats – Haydn, Nielsen, you name it – before careening off into unexpected territories. A particular standout passage, featuring muted strings and celeste, is akin to a reimagining of Shostakovich via Richard Strauss – pure genius! The performances by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Kenneth Woods are nothing short of vividly energised and expressive, doing full justice to all three compositions.
This album is a must-listen for existing fans and newcomers alike. It's a timely reminder of McCabe's importance as a British composer whose contributions to contemporary classical music deserve far broader recognition and appreciation.