Thread by @deeplyclassical

Nine symphonies, nine composers, one orchestra: @kennethwoods & @EnglishSymphony's wonderful #21stCenturySymphony project passes the halfway mark in style. Hear some of its richest and most moving musical bounty so far on my spellbinding #RecordOfTheWeek. spoti.fi/3yvEo5F

Adrian Williams dedicated his symphony to Kenneth Woods "for giving me hope". With five premieres and four recordings to its name already this project gives me hope that it will banish the baffling (to me anyway) idea that no one wants to write, play or hear new symphonies today.

The symphony opens with an arresting theme on violins and violas whose first three notes (E♭ - F - C) are soon driving the thematic and harmonic progress. I quickly realised that here was a true symphonic architect: this expansive 50-minute four-movement structure never falters.

Williams treats us to a soundworld of iridescent and kaleidoscopic brilliance, whose spare and steely strength made me think of desert landscapes full of life despite the blazing sun. My mental image was tragically apt for the desolate slow movement at the symphony's heart.

The lento, written as the world witnessed Australia's devastating bushfires in 2020, became a memorial to the tragic loss of so much life, landscape and habitat. Its agonising lament finds space for both desolate stillness and strange, luminous beauty. I found it hugely moving.

One might wonder if like Bruckner 9, Williams couldn't follow such a slow movement but the vast and visionary finale triumphantly proves me wrong.

Australia is the source of the disc's other work, a virtuoso chamber concerto brilliantly performed by soloists from the orchestra.

Sidney Nolan's portraits of antipodean outlaw folk-hero Ned Kelly inspired strong colours, angular lines and hard-edged sound to match their style. Try the stunning #21stCenturySymphony and concerto on my playlist and here's to the rest of the project.
spoti.fi/3VeA58t