Vaughan Williams: Flos Campi, Suite; McEwen: Viola Concerto

Lawrence Power has established himself as the most sought-after violist of his generation and has been favorably compared to the pioneering British violist Lionel Tertis. Indeed, the three works on this disc were written for Tertis, who did so much to broaden the instrument's musical repertoire. The two Vaughan Williams works display an unabashed romanticism and pastoral elegance. Flos Campi was completed in 1925 and despite the prominent solo viola and wordless chorus, it is neither a concerto nor a choral work. The seamless viola line moves in unity with the orchestra and the chorus appears as a body of instruments, creating an effect of mesmerizing beauty and calm. The little-performed Suite for viola and small orchestra was written ten years later and contains some of the composer's most lyrical themes. Sir John McEwen's 1901 concerto is a neglected gem of the viola repertoire and Power's performance is sure to set a new benchmark. Martyn Brabbins and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales provide expert backing throughout.