Across 47 minutes the listener is whisked through a potted (though scientifically up-to-date) history of evolution from the emergence of stars, via formation of the earth and atmosphere; then to fish and plants, birds, mammals and, finally, man. The writing for children’s choir – with judicious use of solo voices – is simple without being facile (one wonders what Britten or David Bedford might have made of the challenge), the orchestra adding context through shades of onomatopoeia always geared to Alasdair Middleton’s text. Highlights include the shimmering evocation of ‘Ocean’, diaphanous harmony of ‘Trees’ and incisive response as ‘Whales Return to the Sea’. Unfortunate that the longest section, ‘Dinosaurs’, is the weakest – with its crass allusions to Prokofiev and Stravinsky – but as the work reaches its pointedly understated apotheosis with ‘Man’, the sensation of a journey experienced feels undeniable.

As a coupling, Gaia Theory (2014) could not be more appropriate. James Lovelock’s concept of the earth as a self-regulatory organism facilitating life is the ideal basis for this high-octane ‘concerto for orchestra’ affording full vent to Dove’s post-minimalist urgings. Performances of both works could hardly be bettered, nor the wide-ranging sound accorded these premieres; and though the booklet note is essentially a press release, its enthusiasm cannot be gainsaid.