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British Music for Strings, Vol. 5 on CD

Good things come in fives, said conductor Douglas Bostock as he set out to prepare a truly unrivalled selection of British works for string orchestra for this cpo recording. Over the past few years, he has created a stunning kaleidoscope in which international luminaries (Elgar, Parry, Bantock, Ethel Smyth) and more national figures join together in these recordings in an enlightening and uplifting way. The release of this fifth volume marks not only the conclusion of the series, but also the end of an era. After seven years in the role, Douglas Bostock is stepping down as principal conductor of the Sudwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim, an orchestra that has provided him with outstanding support in this homage to his homeland. And once again, the sons and daughters of Albion rise up and soar over their unique musical landscapes - Imogen Holst draws inspiration from an old picaresque novel, Gordon Jacob delivers brilliant variations on a theme by Purcell, the conductor Eugene Goossens demonstrates his creative imagination, and finally, despite his "progressive" tone, the Welshman William Mathias leaves no doubt as to where he was born. A thoroughly successful finale!