This recording in NMC's 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, violin and cello - and the short, frenetic string quartet AGEA.

AUDIO

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Artists:

Helen-Jane Howells soprano
Navarra String Quartet
Alissa Firsova piano
Joanna Shaw flute
Michael Chance countertenor
James Boyd guitar
Ben Alden tenor
Andrew Plant piano