WILLIAM MATHIAS (1934-1992): Dance Overture, Op. 16, Divertimento for String Orchestra, Op. 7, Invocation and Dance, Op. 17, Prelude, Aria and Finale for String Orchestra, Op. 25, Sinfonietta, Op. 34, Laudi, Op. 62, Vistas, Op. 69.

Description: Most striking about this collection is the sheer joy, exuberance and love of life which spring from the speakers in the first five works listed above (all dating from 1958-67), including some jazz and blues elements in the Sinfonietta, which was writting for the youth orchestra which performs it here. The final two, (1973, 1975), are 12- to 13-minute pieces Mathias described as "landscapes of the mind", the first devoted to prayer and praise and the second an evocation of wide open spaces inspired by a trip to the U.S. Decca/Argo recordings of 1970, 1973 and 1977. London Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Wales, New Philharmonia Orchestra; David Atherton, Arthur Davison.