James Dillons chamber opera for 3 voices, small orchestra (18 players), live electronics, 2003-04 is an essential listen. Firstly, the recording is superb, warm, rich, detailed. Secondly the ensemble music is staggeringly well played, the very complex music seems to stream over, under and above the 3 voices and with repeated listening you will hear different aspects that you didnt hear the time before. Ive listened to it about 5 times now and it still feels like the first listen. Where his old co-composer Brian Ferneyhough's music can sometimes come across as complicated and buzy for the sake of it, Dillons music, although just as complex- is soothing on your ears.. there is no effort needed to take this music in, it just trickles over you like black oil!
I'm sick of British composers not getting recognition internationally and Mr Dillon should be up there with the very best living composers.
