CARL DAVIS (b.1936): Concerto for Clarinet, Strings and Timpani, GRAHAM FITKIN (b.1963): Agnostic for Clarinet, String Quartet and Percussion, GERALD FINZI (1901-1956): Clarinet Concerto.

Description: Fitkin's Agnostic, while employing elements of the repetitive structures familiar from other works, is an unexpectedly restrained and meditative work throughout, with a questing, uncertain air, somber and introspective. Davis' concerto has a Hungarian theme, suggesting scenes of the plains, folksong, and a boisterous wedding celebration. As might be anticipated of a noted composer of film music, the piece is instantly accessible and graphic in its representational, programmatic content. Reminiscences of familiar classical and romantic works abound, as in the composer\'s film scores, and the soloist is treated to material that is both lyrical and passionate. Like the attractive and relatively familiar Finzi work that opens the disc, the other works are thoroughly tonal, and the whole program is a most agreeable concoction. David Campbell (clarinet), Aurora Orchestra; Nick Collon.