Adès / Leith / Marsey: Orchestral Works – The Hallé

Conducted by Thomas Adès, ‘one of the most accomplished and complete musicians of his generation’ this album features three world premiere recordings, including Adès’ Aquifer. Taking its name from an underground geological structure through which water seeps and flows, the work features orchestral writing which is full of colour and movement, flamboyant climaxes and rich expression. Written during the first Covid lockdown, for an orchestra that had to play socially distanced, is constructed from a slowly unfolding passacaglia which passes between instruments, depicting the sunrise moving continuously around the world, in music of sonic beauty. Repetition is also at the heart of, as material is passed between orchestral voices, with hypnotic and captivating results. In contrast, ingenious use of imitation and repetition produce a gripping effect in the invigorating brass fanfare Tower.