Joseph Phibbs
Flex
Extraits de "Shades of Night"
The Canticle of the Rose
From Shore to Shore
Agea
The Moon's Funeral

Helen-Jane Howells, soprano
Michael Chance, contre-ténor
Ben Alden, ténor
Alissa Firsova, piano
Joanna Shaw, flûte
James Boyd, guitare
Andrew Plant, piano
Navarra String Quartet

Magnus Johnston, violon
Marije Ploemacher, violon
Simone van der Giessen, alto
Brain O'Kane, violoncelle

This recording in NMC's Debut Disc series showcases Joseph Phibbs's writing for voice and chamber groups. The Canticle of the Rose, the centrepiece of this recording, sets a series of poems by Edith Sitwell for soprano and string quartet ranging from the foreboding to the frivolous; it is one of a series for voice with string quartet commissioned by Sir Nicholas Goodison. From Shore to Shore combines countertenor with guitar, and was commissioned by guitarist James Boyd with funding from the Arts Council National Lottery Fund to broaden the contemporary repertoire for voice and guitar. Premiered at Aldeburgh in 2012, it sets a series of old and new poems on the subject of the sea. Contrasting with these vocal works are Flex - a vivid work for piano, flute, viola and cello - and the short, frenetic string quartet AGEA.