Gipps: Orchestral Works Vol. 4

Rumon Gambas' exploration of Ruth Gipps' music continues with these world-premiere recordings of the Fifth Symphony, the Violin Concerto, and "Leviathan", performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Acclaimed violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones takes on the solo part in the concerto. The work, composed in 1943 for her older brother Bryan, is large-scale and shows remarkable confidence for a 22-year-old composer. "Leviathan" for contrabassoon and orchestra is performed here by Bill Anderson, the BBC Philharmonic's contrabassoonist. The five-minute work from the late 1960s showcases Gipps' outstanding talent for writing for wind instruments, as well as her skill as an orchestrator, allowing the solo voice to dominate despite its unusual register. Gipps' Fifth Symphony was completed in 1982 and dedicated to Sir William Walton. It is written for a large ensemble (quadruple wind ensemble, six horns, two harps, and extensive percussion); its final movement takes the unusual form of a "Missa brevis" for orchestra. With careful listening, it is possible to identify the unspoken words or phrases of the Mass in individual instrumental lines; details of the orchestration also reflect the spirit of the liturgical sections.