Anthony Gilbert was born in the same year (1934) as Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. Though a Londoner by birth, and beginning his career in the capital, Gilbert has spent much of his working life in Manchester – unlike his two illustrious Lancastrian contemporaries. His relatively low profile as a composer is evident from the fact that this is the first CD to be devoted exclusively to his music: so it should be said at once that, whatever the reasons for this neglect, the quality and appeal of Gilbert’s work are not in question.
The earliest score here, Towards Asavari (1978), is representative in its openness to sounds and materials from outside the Western art-music tradition, and it’s not surprising that Messiaen and Stravinsky should come to mind as two 20th-century sources whom Gilbert has found especially stimulating. While all these works demonstrate a liking for sharply delineated rhythmic patterns, Gilbert can wield a beguilingly light touch, whether in toccata-like movements or more lyrical writing. Only in the recorder concerto Igorochki (the Russian title enshrining an obvious tribute to Stravinsky) is there any hint of a tendency to extend material beyond its natural span. Yet both Towards Asavari and Dream Carousels for a large ensemble of wind and percussion display a sure control of gradually evolving musical designs, while the shorter – some very short – pieces inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’s version of the Bestiary are as fresh and sparkling as their surreal source demands.
With engaging performances and clear, crisp recordings, this disc serves Gilbert’s cause admirably. Other companies please take note.'