PHILIP SPRATLEY (b.1942): Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonia Pascale", Cargoes: Suite for Orchestra after John Masefield, A Helpston Fantasia.

Description: The 2009 symphony, 42 minutes long in three movements (Allegro tempestoso, Nocturne and Chaconny) originated with the viewing of three stained-glass windows in the Church of the Flagellation in Jerusalem which depict Christ's scourging, Pontius Pilate washing his hands and the triumph of Barabbas but Spratley is adamant that they are not tone-pictures. The major shadow hovering over the fast outer movements is Vaughan Williams in late symphony mode with an accent here and there of Walton. Yes, it could have been written in the mid 1950s, but that's what makes it so desirable now, isn't it? The Fantasia (2010) is a 14-minute medley of folksongs from the collection of 18th century poet and fiddler John Clare while the composer describes2 the 19-minute Cargoes (2010-12) as three "songs without words" suggested by Masefield's famous poem. Siberian Symphony Orchestra; Dmitry Vasiliev.