Wilson pairs Britten’s Serenade with overlooked works by British composers
John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London’s new album pairs Britten’s *Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings* with less familiar British works by John Ireland, William Walton and Eugène Goossens. The review praises the recording for bringing warmth and sparkle to this mix of celebrated and overlooked music.
Laurence Kilsby gives an expressive performance as tenor soloist, with Christopher Parkes praised for his assured, resonant horn playing. Kilsby’s light, flexible voice suits the Britten’s varied poems, though horn and orchestra briefly overpower him at the climax of the *Lyke-Wake Dirge*. The album also features Ireland’s *Concertino Pastorale*, Goossens’ *By the Tarn* and Walton’s 1971 *Sonata for String Orchestra*.
In short
- Wilson’s album combines Britten with lesser-known British string music.
- Laurence Kilsby is praised for his expressive tenor performance.
- The review notes a brief imbalance at the Britten’s climax.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Britten: Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings album review – Wilson explores British music’s highway and byways”.