Blazon / Clarinet Concerto / Stepping Out / Violin Concerto

"The BBC Philharmonic need go no further than the conservatoire in their native city of Manchester for this music. Edward Gregson is principal of the Royal Northern College of Music and, on the evidence of this disc, a composer with a fine ear for colour and an economical style. The most recent work on this disc, the neo-romantic Violin Concerto, was written to celebrate the millennium and was first performed by Manchester's other band, the Hallé. It's a highly attractive piece."
- Editor's Choice. Gramophone Magazine Nov 2003

'He [Gregson] speaks to a large audience, without sacrificing integrity. With superb performances and sound… this is a release of vital, attractive and immensely likeable music.'
- International Record Review

"They are beautifully played by Michael Collins and Olivier Charlier, and would make a Christmas offering to treasure throughout 2004."
Gramophone Magazine's Critic's Choice (2003)

Edward Gregson is one of Britain's most versatile composers, whose music has been performed, broadcast and recorded worldwide. His concerti for wind instruments are established repertoire in many countries. A noted conductor of contemporary music, Edward Gregson has also held numerous academic posts and is currently Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music.

All of the works on this CD are premiere recordings and the Clarinet Concerto is here performed by the soloist for whom it was written.

Internationally renowned violinist Olivier Charlier was described by BBC Music Magazine as 'staggeringly virtuosic'. Charlier was the soloist in Chandos' recordings of concertos by Lalo, Schurmann, Dutilleux and Gerhard, all of which received outstanding reviews.

Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Philharmonic have proved a superb combination in Chandos' recordings of music by Bax, Clifford and Bainton, which received tremendous critical acclaim.

'…Martyn Brabbins… secures a splendidly secure and committed response from the BBC Philharmonic, and the disc as a whole certainly merits the investigation of any reader who enjoys venturing off the beaten track.'
Gramophone 'Editor's Choice' on CHAN 10019 (Clifford/Bainton)