Nigel Clarke - Clarke: Music for Symphonic Wind Orchestra (LP)

Nigel Clarke's "Clarke: Music for Symphonic Wind Orchestra" is a captivating exploration of the symphonic wind orchestra genre, released on July 7, 2017, under the Toccata Classics label. This album is a testament to Clarke's compositional prowess, featuring two significant works: the "Mysteries of the Horizon" Cornet Concerto and the Symphony No. 1 for Speaker & Wind Orchestra, titled "A Richer Dust."

The "Mysteries of the Horizon" Cornet Concerto is a four-movement piece that showcases the virtuosic capabilities of the cornet, with each movement offering a distinct emotional and thematic landscape. From the ominous "The Menaced Assassin" to the hopeful "The Dominion of Light," Clarke crafts a narrative that is both engaging and evocative.

The Symphony No. 1, "A Richer Dust," is a collaborative effort with Danish writer Malene Sheppard Skærved. This four-movement symphony for speaker and wind orchestra delves into profound themes, with titles like "Still We Drudge in This Dark Maze" and "Other Flowers Rise" hinting at the depth and complexity of the music. The symphony is performed by the Middle Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble, conducted by Reed Thomas, with Harmen Vanhoorne as the cornet soloist.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen for fans of classical and wind orchestra music. Nigel Clarke's unique voice and innovative approach to the genre make this a standout release in the contemporary classical music scene.