Julian Anderson

Heaven is Shy of Earth; The Comedy of Change

Susan Bickley (mezzo-soprano); London Sinfonietta; BBC Symphony Chorus & Orchestra/oliver Knussen Ondine ODE 1313-2 62:21 mins

Heaven is Shy of Earth is a substantial work of intriguing paradoxes.

Its opening flugelhorn melody evokes Copland’s spacious landscapes, yet the deliciously stretched orchestral tunings place this music in the 21st century. It sets the words of the

Mass, yet its point of departure, poems by Emily Dickinson, makes this more a celebration of natural creation. Gloriously uplifting and luminescent, it has dark threads and exudes both a striking simplicity and a numinous complexity. In this searingly beautiful performance, Susan Bickley soars magnificently, while the BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra are on top form, from the fizzing and chattering textures of ‘Gloria (with Bird)’ to the chorus’s sublimely sustained final chord.

Written for the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, The Comedy of Change, which opens the disc, provides a marked contrast. Skittishly spartan, yet detailed, abstract textures of this ballet are full of life in this evocative performance from the London Sinfonietta. Anderson’s long-time friend Oliver Knussen, who died in July, conducts both works, and these live performances stand as a testament to his fine ear, finely judged pacing and selfless advocacy. Christopher Dingle

PERFORMANCE

RECORDING