ine variations by nine composers on an amateur composer’s jolly little song: Gerald Finzi was invited to compose together with highly individual personalities like Ralph...

ine variations by nine composers on an amateur composer’s jolly little song: Gerald Finzi was invited to compose together with highly individual personalities like Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gordon Jacob, and Howard Ferguson. Along with other works by Finzi, these Diabelleries on “Oh! Where’s My Little Basket Gone?” for a most highly unusual chamber ensemble have now been recorded for the first time by the Cologne Chamber Soloists. The result: a fascinating overview of British music during the first half of the twentieth century. From the early Introit to the Diabelleries, which Finzi composed at the end of his life, this portrait by the Cologne Chamber Soloists ranges over the composer’s entire life. It introduces an artist who went to work with the greatest care and caution.