This 4 CD-box of five hours worth of new songs from English composers, commissioned for the 20th anniversary of the NMC label, sounds like a music lover's wet dream. It's a dizzying musical roller coaster ride from high to low, from funny to teary-eyed, no holds barred. Composers range from well known to virtually unknown. Singers from full-bodied baritones to the most angelic counter tenors, from birdlike sopranos to the mellowest mezzo. Instrumentalists add to the bliss by playing an eclectic mix of instruments, from Western piano to Eastern temple blocks, plus a variety of electronics. Lyrics vary from composer's own haiku to Lord Byron (not to mention a recipe for making whisky and a love song to Yoga).
If you have a craving (I do!) for songs written for, say, counter tenor, football hooligan and harp, this is your thing. If you are just interested in new music, this box will probably be your best buy of the year.