Hurd: Orchestral Music. New London Orchestra/corp

Billie Hilton (soprano), Anna Lush (soprano), Alex Karlsson (treble), Anthony Gregory (tenor), Lorraine McAslan (violin), Nicholas Daniel (oboe), Alex Wells (piano), Eleanor Kettleton (narrator), New London Childrens' Choir, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp

Hurd: Orchestral Music & Pop Cantatas - Overture to an Unwritten Comedy, Sinfonia Concertante, Dance Diversions, Concerto da Camera, Little Suite, Plaine and Fancie, Harlequin Suite, Charms and Ceremonies, Hip Hip Horatio, Nine of Anon, A New Nowell

Dutton presents a superb, two-disc sampler of music by the English composer Michael Hurd. Lorraine McAslan is the soloist in Hurd's Sinfonia Concertante, one of his first substantial orchestral works, while oboist Nicholas Daniel is featured in the Concerto da Camera. The set also features four compositions for large children's choir with orchestral accompaniment. Charms and Ceremonies exemplifies Hurd's instinctive understanding of music for young singers, while the nautically-inspired Hip Hip Horatio marks one of the high points in Hurd's career. Ronald Corp leads the New London Orchestra and New London Children's Choir in this thoroughly delightful program.

Price: $48.98