Haydn Wood: Mannin Veen - "Dear Isle of Man"
Gustav Holst: Suite No. 1 in E-flat for Military Band, Op. 28a
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Edward Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma"

With their previous release titled Sounds of America, conductor David Bernard and the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony took us on a sonic journey through the new world, from the idyllic setting of Appalachia to the streets of New York. This time around as we travel back to the old world, we are presented with music that extends from the Renaissance, to the windswept Isle of Man and to the heart of London.

Much like Albert Ketèlbey or Eric Coates for example, Haydn Wood (1882-1959) is considered first and foremost a composer of 'British Light Music' often performed by small ensembles at outdoor bandstands. Mannin Veen - "Dear Isle of Man" (A Manx Tone Poem) was written in 1933 and three years later transcribed for wind band. It was inspired by the folk music of the Isle of Man, Haydn Wood's childhood home. David Bernard and the Wind Ensemble members of the orchestra well capture its Gaelic style, Celtic roots and quasi Scottish feel. A perfect piece for those in need of a nostalgic evocation.

The main stop on this scenic tour of the British Isles has to be the profoundly expressive Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). While compiling and editing the music for a new hymnal, he came across this more than 400 year old chant by early Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis, which must have left quite an impression, because this expansive arrangement for string orchestra is one of his most recognized works. English composers have always had a knack for writing highly expressive works for string ensembles, and this one certainly tops my list of favorites. Its multi-layered orchestration is quite impressive, especially the passages in which the cellos infuse the main melody with a dark and sombre sound, whilst the upper strings wrap it all in a shimmer of light. And here in this recording, the string players of the orchestra luxuriate in it and generate a warmth of sound rarely this good.

Especially for those less familiar with English composers, this collection is an excellent overview of their 'Imperial' sound and style. Below is a short audio clip from the very famous 'Nimrod' variation by Elgar.