Sam Cave writes in the album notes: "For every note the guitar can play there are an infinite number of tone colors waiting to be coaxed from it's body." This is demonstrated very well in this collection of very new works, which extend the tone palette of the guitar in many ways, from the still, almost mantra-like' Refracted Meditation III by the performer, to complex and thickly-textured works by Fox and Murail, two distinctive sonatas by George Holloway and the almost alien soundworld conjured up by Horatiu Radulescu in the only work which introduces electronics (taped sounds) alongside the pure acoustics of the guitar. The contrast between Cave's sparse, single line interspersed with gentle chords, and Murail's transfer of spectral cluster technique, is exceptional. Sam Cave is quickly becoming established as one of the leading exponents of new music for guitar, with performances at leading venues around the UK and Europe. He has performed dozens of world premieres in the last decade as soloist and as a member of the Octandre Ensemble. As a composer, his works have been performed in eight countries by some of the most exciting soloists and ensembles of today. Sam plays a 'super-concert' guitar by Dutch luthier Jerome Hilhorst.

Esteemed pianist James Iman releases his highly anticipated album, "Iman III," marking the third instalment in his groundbreaking series. Delving into a diverse repertoire, Iman's latest offering showcases a unique blend of piano works that resonate with the complexities of the human experience. The genesis of "Iman III" amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the resilience and creative introspection that defined it's conception. Originally planned for recording prior to the pandemic-induced lockdowns, the project encountered delays, allowing Iman ample time to refine and redefine it's thematic underpinnings. The resulting album is a testament to the profound evolution of artistic vision in the face of adversity. Iman's eclectic program transcends traditional narrative structures, inviting listeners into a labyrinth of musical abstraction where each piece engages in a nuanced dialogue with it's counterparts. From Klaus Huber's haunting exploration of silence in "Ein Hauch von Unzeit II" to Alban Berg's masterful interplay of chromaticism and counterpoint in his Piano Sonata Op. 1, "Iman III" offers a multifaceted journey through the annals of musical expression. In Morton Feldman's "Last Pieces," Iman embraces the freedom afforded by the composer's experimental notation, weaving a tapestry of sound that defies conventional constraints. Emulating the randomness inherent in Feldman's ensemble works, Iman navigates the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a realm of deliberate and enjoyable ambiguity. Betsy Jolas's enigmatic "B for Sonata" serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, epitomizing the composer's innovative approach to form and rhythm. Through meticulously crafted rhythmic freedoms and evolving tonal landscapes, Iman breathes life into Jolas's introspective exploration of musical minimalism and existential inquiry. "Iman III" attests to James Iman's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. With each track meticulously curated to resonate with the soulful intricacies of human experience. James Iman is a critically acclaimed pianist known for his innovative approach to repertoire and profound musical insight. With a career spanning decades, Iman has established himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary classical music scene, captivating audiences worldwide with his dynamic performances and meticulous attention to detail. "Iman III" marks the latest chapter in his ongoing quest to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression through the transformative power of music.

Metier is licensing a few particularly excellent recordings from the University of Hertfordshire which produced the UHR label some years ago and one of these is Rutherford's Lights, a piano cycle by Cowie and played brilliantly by Richard Casey. This epic cycle of 24 studies for solo piano explores the wonders of light in many states and forms from Simple Wave Motion to Dispersion and Radiation of Electromagnetic Waves. Himself an ex-student of physics, Cowie collaborated with Light Physicist Sir Michael Berry FRS in 'an adventure in illuminations, colours and photons!' The work was commissioned by The Institute of Physics in London, England and premiered and then recorded in 2010. This is music inspired by science inspired by music! Pianist Richard Casey gives a stunning and richly virtuosic performance of this work, which after it's premiere in The National Portrait Gallery in London, earned huge praise and plaudits for it's originality and creative power. Cowie- renowned for music that challenges all the senses, has literally made a sonic reality of illumination in all it's grandeur and kaleidoscopic possibilities. This is a re-release of the original 2010 recording, released at that time on the UHR label. This will be the first issue of the recording in digital form, the UHR original having been a limited CD release only. Edward Cowie has been described as the greatest living composer inspired by nature, and the recordings of his music issued by Metier over the last couple of years have drawn unstinted praise. In this, his 80th birthday year, a number of new recordings are in progress including the third volume in the Bird Portraits series, and music for string quartets and other chamber groupings.

"Les ombres du Fantôme" presents a captivating exploration of Gaston Leroux’s timeless novel "Le Fantôme de l’Opéra" (1910) through fourteen evocative improvisations. Recorded in July 2021 using the majestic organs of Coventry and Arundel Cathedrals, accompanied by soprano voice and saxophone/bass clarinet, these improvisations delve deep into the narrative, themes, characters, and events of Leroux’s masterpiece. Employing an inventive musical language and leveraging the unique acoustics of these historic buildings, "Les ombres du Fantôme" transcends the physical realm, delivering a dynamic spectralism that immerses listeners in a sonic journey enhanced and extended through retrospective electronic augmentations.

Each improvisation within this collection acts as a thematic shadow, weaving a meta-narrative of Leroux’s iconic tale. Drawing inspiration from previous works, including an improvisation for a film scene and music composed for a podcast, the album intricately captures the essence of the novel, from the haunting presence of the Phantom to Christine’s desires and fears. Through the interplay of organ, soprano, and woodwinds, the album evokes the supernatural allure and psychological depth of Leroux’s narrative, offering a rich auditory experience that transcends traditional storytelling.

The meticulous production process behind "Les ombres du Fantôme" combines traditional recording techniques with innovative digital manipulation, resulting in a mesmerizing blend of sonic textures and timbral variations. From the haunting echoes of cathedral spaces to the ethereal harmonies of spectral editing, each track resonates with a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Leroux’s "Phantom of the Opera." "Les ombres du Fantôme" is more than just an album—it’s a sonic exploration that transcends time and space, offering a captivating reinterpretation of a literary classic.

Robert Sholl, a distinguished educator and scholar, teaches at The Royal Academy of Music and the University of West London. His expertise lies in twentieth-century music, improvisation to film, and live performance. Robert's recitals at prestigious venues and recordings of significant organ works demonstrate his profound musicality and scholarly contributions to the field.

Justin Paterson is a respected Professor of Music Production at London College of Music, University of West London (UWL). His research spans multi-mic recordings, interactive music playback, and collaborations with leading industry partners such as the BBC and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Justin is also co-chair of the Innovation in Music conference series and serves as a consultant to RT Sixty Ltd for innovative music apps.

Considered one of the most influential composers inspired by the natural world, Edward Cowie's collaboration with the exceptional Kreutzer String Quartet spans nearly a decade. This partnership has resulted in the recording of Cowie's first six quartets, as well as remarkable solo and duo works showcasing the quartet's unparalleled skill. Now, Cowie presents his seventh string quartet, "Western Australia," specially crafted for the Kreutzer Quartet, accompanied by four solo portrait pieces dedicated to each member. From the ethereal heights of Clifton Harrison's viola to the intricate melodies inspired by the habits of owls for Neil Heyde's cello, Cowie's compositions reflect a profound reverence for both the human animal and the natural world.

Delving into the heart of Australia's rugged landscape, Cowie's quartet captures the awe-inspiring vastness and ancient beauty of Western Australia. Each movement paints a vivid picture of the region's diverse landscapes, from the expansive horizons of the first movement to the primal origins depicted in the second, culminating in the mysterious allure of the Pinnacles in the final movement. Through his music, Cowie masterfully evokes the ever-changing landscapes and intricate ecosystems of Western Australia, inviting listeners on a transformative journey through time and space.

Additionally, the recording features four solo portraits, each a testament to the unique talents and personalities of the Kreutzer Quartet members. From Neil Heyde's emotive exploration of owls to Mihailo Trandafilovski's evocative interpretation of evolution, Cowie's compositions showcase the quartet's versatility and virtuosity. With each note, Cowie pays homage to his collaborators, celebrating their friendship and artistic prowess while pushing the boundaries of contemporary chamber music. Experience the extraordinary fusion of nature and music in Cowie's latest masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of creative collaboration and the boundless wonders of the natural world.

The Kreutzer Quartet has established itself as one of the most sought-after string quartets in the UK. They appear regularly at the major London venues and have made many live and studio recordings for the BBC, and major networks all over Europe. They have taken their extremely eclectic programmes to Italy, Germany, France, Holland, Serbia, Montenegro, Sardinia, the US, Spain, Cyprus, Poland, and Lithuania. Recent critical and publicly acclaimed performances have been at the Warsaw Autumn Festival, de Doelen, Rotterdam, Quartet 2000, Manchester International, and the Vilnius Philharmonic Festival.

Introducing "Michael Finnissy - Alternative Readings," a recording that brings together the visionary compositions of Michael Finnissy, one of the foremost composers of our time, and the exceptional artistry of the Marsyas Trio, mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean, and pianist Joseph Havlat. Finnissy's distinguished career, marked by British Composer Awards, prestigious teaching positions, and a Koussevitzky Foundation commission, is a testament to his unparalleled ability to weave together diverse musical idioms, embracing inspiration from literature, poetry, visual art, and global folk traditions.

Finnissy's music transcends conventional boundaries, challenging societal norms and acting as a catalyst for change. His compositions reflect a deep connection to humanity, with the voice playing a central role in conveying powerful narratives. This new release features the Marsyas Trio, renowned for their mission to revive classical repertoire and commission new works, alongside the captivating vocals of Lotte Betts-Dean and the masterful piano artistry of Joseph Havlat.

The album's centerpiece, "Wisdom," commissioned during the 2020 lockdown, delves into the collective human experience of isolation and connectivity. Lotte Betts-Dean's mesmerizing voice, accompanied by the Marsyas Trio, brings Finnissy's reflections on this unprecedented period to life. The album's symmetry unfolds around "Alternative Readings," a chamber work for flute, cello, and piano, presented in two unedited, distinct versions recorded on the same day, exploring the nuanced interplay of physical communication in music.

As the Trio reflected on their collaboration with Michael Finnissy, they unveiled the profound question that permeate his work: How can we interpret music and understand the inner mind of a composer? Finnissy's compositions encourage individuality and freedom, inviting performers and listeners alike on a journey through diverse cultural traditions, spanning centuries.

The program notes provide valuable insights into each composition, showcasing Finnissy's versatile style, from the intimate solo vocal pieces to the dynamic chamber works. This release is a testament to Finnissy's enduring legacy, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration that transcends time and resonates with the shared experiences of humanity.

Despite three decades apart, renowned Australian flautist Laura Chislett and composer Edward Cowie, with their instruments as extensions of thought, craft a rich tapestry of sonic colours and inventive possibilities. This profound ritual of spontaneous outpourings invites listeners on an immersive journey, experiencing the direct transmission of sensory encounters through eight tracks that shape the discovered music of the moment. The album, a testament to their enduring creative connection, offers a unique fusion of musical expression and the natural world, inviting audiences to join in this extraordinary sonic exploration created through skilled and instinctive improvisation.

The creative synergy between Chislett and Cowie, first sparked in 1989 during Cowie's tenure at The Australian Arts Centre in Townsville, North Queensland, resonates with a unique connection rooted in shared musical sensibilities and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Fast forward to 2022, when Laura travelled to England for a transformative recording project with Cowie, unaware that it would coincide with his decision to return to Australia. Motivated by a desire for a final adventure in the expansive Australian landscape, 80-year-old Edward Cowie embraced the opportunity to explore untapped musical potential since his departure in 1995.

The resulting album, a captivating collection of improvisations, bears witness to the duo's shared experiences and draws inspiration from both the Australian and British landscapes. The improvisations pay homage to the sonic narratives of birds, land, sea, and sky, interwoven with influences from revered visual artists like Kandinsky, Rothko, Pollock, and Heather Cowie, whose artwork is on the cover.

Gemini, one of Britain's most distinguished ensembles specialising in new music, present their exceptional new album of works of renowned composer Nicola LeFanu. This beautiful recording, produced for Metier, showcases a harmonious blend of vocal and chamber compositions, including a timeless gem from the ensemble's longstanding collaboration with LeFanu dating back to the 1970s.

Featured Compositions:

The Same Day Dawns (1974):
A mesmerizing composition scored for soprano and five instruments, incorporating verses from poems in Tamil, Chinese, Japanese, Kannada, and Akkadian.

Sextet (1996):
An evocative piece inspired by the untamed beauty of Irish landscapes, capturing the essence of Roundstone bog, the Connemara coast, and the wild flowers at Kilbaha in Co. Clare.

Piano Trio (2003):
A lyrical masterpiece, seamlessly woven into a single movement, exploring melodic and rhythmic transformations, characteristic harmonies, and unifying resonances.

The Moth-Ghost (2020):
A dramatic scena for soprano and piano, narrating the poignant tale of Thetis, a sea-goddess from Greek mythology, mourning the loss of her son Achilles in the Trojan war.

Nicola LeFanu, born in 1947 in England, is a distinguished composer with a prolific body of work, totaling around one hundred compositions. Her diverse musical creations have received global acclaim and recognition, with commissions from prestigious institutions and performances by leading orchestras, ensembles, and soloists. A proud Harkness Fellow and recipient of honorary doctorates, LeFanu's musical legacy is published by Novello and Edition Peters.

Established in 1974, Gemini has consistently showcased a richly varied repertoire spanning multiple musical eras and genres. Directed by clarinettist Ian Mitchell, the ensemble's performances feature a diverse selection of chamber music, including twentieth-century, new, and neglected compositions. Gemini is committed to fostering inclusivity, featuring works by women and other underrepresented composers, as well as exploring music from non-Western European traditions.

A captivating anthology of British clarinet compositions curated and performed by versatile musician Ronald Woodley and pianist Andrew West. This collection explores British musical modernism, featuring both new and underappreciated pieces from the twentieth century by composers Elisabeth Lutyens, Angela Elizabeth Slater, Morris Pert, Christopher Fox, and Edward Cowie. Woodley's deep-rooted fascination for the basset horn, inspired by Lutyens, drove him to rediscover the world of British musical modernism, revealing its complexities and dynamics.

Notable compositions in the anthology include Elisabeth Lutyens'"This Green Tide" for the basset horn, Angela Elizabeth Slater's"Around the Darkening Sun" for bass clarinet and piano, Morris Pert's"Luminos" for basset horn and piano, Christopher Fox's"This has happened before" featuring multitracked bass clarinets, and Edward Cowie's"Heather Jean Nocturnes" inspired by visual art. This collection is a valuable addition for clarinet enthusiasts and music lovers, shedding light on the lesser-known gems of British music and showcasing the power of artistic collaboration across mediums, offering a glimpse into the evolution of British music.

Ronald Woodley has a distinguished academic background, holding the title of Emeritus Professor of Music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. His career spans the roles of clarinettist, chamber pianist, and musicologist. Trained at the Royal Northern College of Music, he completed a doctorate in musicology at Keble College, Oxford. Woodley has been the dedicatee of numerous works by esteemed composers and has recorded a wide range of music, including bass clarinet compositions and twentieth-century British song. As a respected musicologist, he specializes in late medieval music theory, particularly the fifteenth-century musician Johannes Tinctoris, and has conducted research on various composers and early recordings. In his chamber pianist role, he has collaborated with renowned tenor James Geer and pianist Andrew West.

Andrew West, an accomplished pianist with a deep connection to contemporary music, has premiered works by renowned composers like Birtwistle, Henze, Goehr, and Wigglesworth in collaboration with prominent vocalists such as Mark Padmore and Roderick Williams. He also enjoys a long-standing partnership with flautist Emily Beynon, embarking on a five-CD project that explores flute and piano repertoire dating back to the Second World War. Andrew's extensive discography includes recordings with various artists, including Strauss, Les Six, and Schubert. He serves as Chairman and Artistic Director of the Kirckman Concert Society and holds positions at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, where he was recently named a Fellow.

Samuel Andreyev’s music is incredibly varied, from the sparse resonance of the Sonata da Camera, the ‘cartoon music’ (as the composer puts it) of Vérifications, characterised by primary colours and strong instrumental timbres; the Sextet in Two Parts which in contrast focuses on minute timbral shadings; and of course the cantata for solo voice and ensemble which is the title track of the album. Performed by ensemble proton bern, conducted by Luigi Gaggero with the magical soprano voice of Peyee Chen on In Glow of Like Seclusion (set to verse by J. H. Prynne) this album was beautifully captured in Zurich in 2022. The CD and digital album is to be followed with a double-LP vinyl version in the New Year.

Samuel Andreyev’s music has been featured in portrait concerts in Bern, Geneva, Toronto, Paris, Kyiv, Strasbourg, Montréal, Tours, and many other cities. Andreyev is a laureat of the Henri Dutilleux Prize (2012, for ‘Night Division’), and the Grand Prix Lycéen des Compositeurs (2020, for ‘Vérifications’). He is also Vice President of the music council of the Fondation Prince Pierre (Monaco). With his YouTube channel and Podcast, Samuel Andreyev presents lectures on musical topics, as well as long-form interviews with prominent musicians as varied as Brian Ferneyhough, every member of Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band, Linda Catlin Smith, Hugues Dufourt, Adam Neely and countless others.

Boireann features two compositions specifically crafted for this release. "Five Études for Two Flutes" reimagines earlier pieces for two violins, demonstrating Buckley's ability to transpose musical ideas across different instrumental settings. "In Memoriam Doris Keogh," a three-movement piece for flute and piano, reflects the broad musical interests of Buckley's flute teacher, Doris Keogh, offering a touching tribute to her influence. John Buckley's illustrious career as a composer has earned him recognition worldwide. This new album is a testament to his deep connection with the flute, spanning over fifty years. From his early studies with the legendary Doris Keogh at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin to his most recent work, "In Memoriam Doris Keogh," completed in 2022, the album captures the evolution of Buckley's flute-centric repertoire. This collection superbly showcases his versatility as a composer. The collaboration with talented flautists Emma Coulthard, Emma Halnan, and pianist David Appleton adds an extra layer of brilliance to the album, making it a captivating and enriching musical experience.

In celebration of Gwyn Pritchard’s 75th birthday, Métier releases Features and Formations: a fascinating insight into Pritchard’s process. This is contemporary, seemingly mercurial, work is rich in structure. Using pre-compositional planning and techniques including the use of a sequence-generating algorithm, the composer reacts to rhythm and pitch, manifesting great atmosphere and emotion.

Features and Formations: a fascinating insight into Pritchard’s process. This is contemporary, seemingly mercurial, work is rich in structure. Using pre-compositional planning and techniques including the use of a sequence-generating algorithm, the composer reacts to rhythm and pitch, manifesting great atmosphere and emotion. Features and Formations includes five of Gwyn Pritchard’s ensemble works (a quintet, two quartets and a trio) and three for solo piano, all performed by the distinguished Swiss contemporary music group Ensemble ö! conducted by Francesc Prat and their pianist Asia Ahmetjanova.

Gwyn Pritchard (b.1948) studied cello and composition at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music. His compositions include works for orchestra, ensembles, solo instruments, vocal works and pieces employing electronics. Much of his compositional activity has been based outside the UK, in particular in Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Italy. Other performances have been given in America, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, S Korea and New Zealand. They have been performed and broadcast on many radio and television networks, often by major orchestras, ensembles and soloists, and at international festivals.

In 1982 Pritchard founded Uroboros Ensemble which includes some of Britain‘s leading instrumentalists. He is Professor of Composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London, and has given lectures and masterclasses in Europe, America and Asia.

Lore Larrañaga designed and commissioned a totally new instrument to explore how the accordion could express microtonal music and this is the first ever recording of this whole genre. A gratifyingly inventive listening experience, Ispilu marks the first recording of Basque accordionist Lore Amenabar Larrañaga's self-designed quarter-tone accordion, custom built by Bugari Armando. Lore has engaged in a detailed investigation of her custom quarter-tone accordion, exploring its technical and sonic boundaries through the commissioning of a new body of collaborative works, written between 2020 and 2022, during her PhD studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

Lore explains: “The design of my instrument allows the production of quarter tones in both the right and left-hand manuals. The range and timbral possibilities of this instrument are expanded through the use of fifteen registers on the right manual and seven on the left manual, resulting in a sounding range of E-2 to B-quarter-sharp-6 in the right hand and E-1 to D-quarter-sharp-6 in the left. From Electra Perivolaris to Christopher Fox, Michael Finnissy to Mioko Yokoyama, this album will accommodate diverse textures, voices, and ideas; all gravitating around the Quarter-Tone Accordion.”

The raw intensity of emotions in works like "Aretusa", "Satya I", and "Il faudrait d’abord désespérer", where each note unfolds with hypnotic allure, envelops the listener in a world of transcendental states. Dive into the depths of Camus' "The Stranger" with "Pour triumpher du soleil" and "À chaque épée de lumière" – Dinescu's masterful use of sound effects challenges your comfort zone, evoking moments of scorching desperation and futile blankness, a testament to the composer's acute sensitivity.

“Working with Violeta Dinescu in preparation for this recording opened, for me, a new music portal: I discovered sounds I never knew my violin possessed.” – Irina Muresanu

Violinist Irina Muresanu’s performance of Dinescu’s work is astonishing, the combination of her technique and Violeta Dinescu’s imagination is so contemporary, visceral and intellectually thrilling as to create the feeling that we are hearing an entirely new instrument. This is solo work at its best, derived from wholly successful collaboration.

A captivating new album from the extraordinary talents of Edward Cowie, a true master of multiple disciplines. This remarkable polymath, renowned as a composer, visual artist, and natural scientist, has gifted us his exhilarating third epic cycle of 'bird portraits' - a thrilling 24-movement composition for clarinet(s) and piano.Cowie's earlier works, Bird Portraits and Where Song was Born, received resounding praise worldwide and are poised to become iconic chamber masterpieces on the global stage: “Cowie continues to be a leading contemporary composer of music that is related to the natural world.” (Fanfare) “You may well be thinking “but Messiaen has already done it”. But Cowie’s approach is gentler, almost more loving.” (MusicWeb) “imaginative, captivating and really very moving” (The Strad).

In this latest cycle, Cowie draws inspiration from the avian wonders of the Americas, presenting a symphonic ode to 24 distinct bird species. But his vision extends far beyond the mere melodies of these majestic creatures. With each composition he creates an immersive tapestry of avian dramas. As with his previous cycles dedicated to British and Australian birds, Cowie ingeniously incorporates the rich musical heritage of the indigenous Indian cultures of the USA and the vibrant spirit of jazz, infusing his work with an unmistakable, awe-inspiring energy. We are transported into a world where nature's symphony collides with human musical expression, courtesy of the brilliant performers Anna Hashimoto on various clarinets and the ever-impressive pianist Roderick Chadwick, both of whom bring these extraordinary bird portraits to life.