British Music Society, Gary Higginson

This is now the second disc to come my way, from the enterprising Resonus label, of chamber music by Pamela Harrison…

This time we are treated to three song cycles, beginning with The Lonely Landscape, for tenor and piano, six poems by Emily Brontë. It is wonderful that James Gilchrist sings this work as he has such an affinity with British music of this period. This is a very fine cycle, worthy to give its title to this disc.

The music is completely absorbed into the many contrasting moods typical of Brontë, those being storms, lamentation, landscape and night. The piano part is challenging at times but never overpowers the vocal line, which always carries the main interest with clarity but also power.

“The drama and sometimes desolation of the poems are evocatively captured.”

…

There are four instrumental items. The lyrical and deftly scored Octetto Pastorale is for winds, and in three movements. Although written in 1983 it has the same atmosphere as heard in the other works.

But you could never describe her music as trifling; just listen to the first work on the disc the Cello Sonata (1947)… The language is tonal, modal but also quite searchingly chromatic at times, as in the first movement. Particularly original is the memorable Andantino third movement.

And last, but not really least, are the Four Pieces of 1962, delightful and idiomatic miniatures for each of the four main wind instruments, they are easy listening and are immediately attractive.

“All performances are affectionate and totally convincing, the recording spacious and immediate. This is music which deserves to be heard.”

Album curated by Robert Plane