Ian Venables is a curiosity, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Born in 1955, he composes in a style that for many would appear hopelessly outdated...Yet he carries this off without the results possessing any sense of pastiche. His music is entirely his own expression and, for want of a better word, sincere...The performances are impressive throughout

these consistently shapely and highly communicative performances must have delighted the composer (who was present at the sessions). Fine sound, too. Lovers of the 20th-century English music renaissance will derive much pleasure from this enterprising and rewarding Somm anthology.

The music is highly expressive and easy to follow...Venables moulds his rich textures with real sensitivity, and the piano part always earns its keep too...The ensemble remains tremendously vivacious and impassioned throughout the piece, and I must remark on how glowing Somm's recording itself comes over