The urge to compose is irresistible for many who are destined to make their livings in other vocations; among the towering successes on this list are Alexander Borodin (chemistry) and Charles Ives (insurance). When he isn’t devoting himself to ophthalmology, John D Gottsch writes music in a mild-mannered, conservative style inspired by composers who were able to concentrate solely on artistic endeavours.

This new recording features the South Florida Symphony Orchestra in two large works that reveal Louisiana-born Gottsch’s enthusiasm for painting scenes on expansive sonic canvases. Sunset evokes aspects of nature in Key West, Florida, where the composer (b1950) spends part of his year. The seven short sections are studies in descriptive writing that move from ocean to shore and beyond with largely major-key alacrity. Along the way, hints of Mendelssohn, Sibelius and Britten, among others, give the score a sense of lyrical and heraldic familiarity, as if the composer is paying tribute to predecessors.

Other composers also send distinctive vibrations to Princess Yurievskaya, a symphonic tone poem that explores the relationship between Catherine Dolgorukova, the titular princess, and Tsar Alexander II. Gottsch is most persuasive in the intimate scenes, where solo violin portrays Catherine and solo cello depicts Alexander. The narrative embraces Russian Orthodox elements, dance sequences and echoes of Richard Strauss in a panoply of earnest gestures that ultimately fall short in conveying the tragic circumstances.

The premiere recording of these pieces was made in March 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic was erupting, which might explain the urgency that the South Florida Symphony Orchestra bring to Gottsch’s creations under music director Sebrina María Alfonso. The playing isn’t always the utmost in refinement but the performances are committed and colourful, with fine solo work from violinist Huifang Chen and cellist David Calhoun.