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Announcing the release today of the first instalment of the Toccata recordings of Stephen Dodgson's music for winds, performed by the Magnard Ensemble. Much of the repertoire brings his sense of fun to the fore, often through rhythmic mischief or an insouciance that recalls Poulenc, but it also has that particularly English strain of lyricism that suggests the impermanence of beauty.

Solway Suite once again demonstrates Dodgson’s impeccable credentials for creating haunting melody, pastel colours and agreeable illustration, and for varying moods... Given the top-notch gallery of players, it is only necessary to relate the excellence of the performances, individually impressive and with meaningful interaction, and the recording captures every sound and nuance.

"Stephen's Concerto No.1 is modern but very appealing – melodic without being ingratiating. The orchestral writing is beautiful but still allows the guitar to cut through. Much as I like the concertos by Rodrigo et al, I find Stephen's work more interesting and concise. I was itching to play it."

These two discs comprise over two and a half hours of Stephen Dodgson’s strongly crafted music, beautifully played... Both discs are an absolute joy, the performances little short of ideal, perfect in intonation and ensemble, lively and delicate as required.

On a personal note, I absolutely love Stephen's Dormi Jesu, and it works so well in this programme – it's a wonderful moment when, at the end of the unconducted trio which has them absolutely mesmerised, you can hear the audience's audible exhalation and you realise they've been holding their breath in wonder!

This disc is a valuable addition to the composer’s growing discography and one that should be snapped up by all devotees of Dodgson’s and twentieth century English music alike.

Those who gravitate to the serious chamber intimacies of the Modern-Tonal yet expect there to be a consistently intricate edge and would like another twist to a kind of Neo-Classical outlook, seek no further.

Astringent, lyrical 20th-century English music well worth discovering.

A vivid production with works of notable vigour and sinewy craftsmanship.