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Track Listings
| 1. Child of the Stable's Secret Birth |
| 2. Under Milk Wood Ballet Suite |
| 3. Four Piano Miniatures |
| 4. String Music |
| 5. Fantasy |
Product Description
Review
How refreshing to discover a living composer who dares to write music that possesses both splendid melody and well-crafted conventional harmony - and avoids being considered twee, populist or crossover. While many contemporary composers effect ludicrous directions of speed, virtually unplayable rhythms and horrendous dissonance - and use bizarre ensembles - Thomas Hewitt Jones harks back to a much more profound and palatable sound world with his work. Jones' music is excellently constructed and clearly deeply influenced by the sonic landscapes of more conventional acoustic composers. This is by no means a step backwards. It is, rather, a rebirth - haunting and beautiful, this is music that can be enjoyed by both the trained ear and the casual classical listener. Opening the disc is a sweet lullaby that enchants as easily as any John Rutter carol. Jones' ballet suite, Under Milk Wood, follows; commissioned in 2008 by Independent Ballet Wales, it is inspired by the vivid imagery of Dylan Thomas' play of the same name. Jones' score, here arranged as a suite for chamber ensemble, is equally as gripping as the play itself. We are introduced to the play's sleepy Welsh village with a richly descriptive harmonic and rhythmic language that appears to have roots in Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Fauré and Rachmaninov. Four delightful piano miniatures and some music for string ensemble bring up the rear - as well as a slightly more harmonically complex Fantasy for string sextet. The choir, ensemble and direction provide fine examples of modern music making. This disc comes heartily recommended. Andy King --Muso Issue 45 Feb/March 2010
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I bought this CD after seeing the new ballet Lady of the Lake by Independent Ballet Wales, and wanted to hear more. I find it enchanting music, and deep, but easy to listen to. . The first track is a lilting carol which is sad but hopeful. The ballet suite to Under Milk Wood follows from Hewitt Jones's ballet in 2008, and I find it really beautiful and full of character (I find it comforting late at night, or on long car journeys). The rest of the CD contains string music which is a bit haunting. Over all I would recommend this music for people who like to be moved and like music with strong melodies and harmony without being clichéd or `cheesy' and with interesting harmonic twists and turns - using the best of tonality in iteresting ways to create something fresh and profound. My favourite track is 6 - 'Organ Morgan'.
Format:Audio CD
Firstly an admission; I know Tommy. He's in charge of the music at a church near mine in Norwood and is a former pupil of our Master of Music. We've recently bought copies of Child of the Stable's Secret Birth and will be performing it over the coming season of Advent. As such, I probably wouldn't have discovered this CD otherwise. However, I'm glad I did. It's one for listening to in front of a roaring log fire when it's cold outside. Largely strings and piano, there is a definite Vaughan Williams pastoral feel to many of the numbers. Good to know that a young composer can write this sort of stuff and some more upbeat tunes for the 2012 Olympics as well. He's also a great bloke and plays a mean organ!
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