British composer Rob Keeley lectures in composition at Kings College London – as a pianist he has had works written for him by Birtwistle, Finnissy...

British composer Rob Keeley lectures in composition at Kings College London – as a pianist he has had works written for him by Birtwistle, Finnissy and many others. As a composer he has produced two symphonies and a wide range of vocal and chamber music; he likes to explore unusual combinations of instruments and this together with his ability to produce delightful works of great originality makes this album exceptionally satisfying. It includes his arrangement of a piece which Harrison Birtwistle wrote for him: unlike Birtwistle’s more infamous works this is a beautiful little piece. The composer plays harpsichord in several pieces – the other four soloists are all at the top of their respective instrumental ‘trees’ in the UK and well known to Metier customers; two of the three ensembles are specialists in new music and extending technique and repertoire: Pipers 3 is a unique trio of oboes while London Myriad is a flexible ensemble, here configured as a wind quartet (flute, oboe, clarinet & bassoon).