If you enjoy the rich, mellow sound of the viola, then this recording is for you. This concerto was written in 1908, when Bowen was only 24, but is confident and resolute, as if written by someone with more experience. Typically british in style, akin to the music of Bax, it tends to meander at certain moments, but is highly romantic and demonstrates the instrument very well. The recorded sound is very good as per Hyperion's usual standards.

Jean-Yves Duperron