Julian Anderson: Fantasias, The Crazed Moon, The Discovery of Heaven

There can be no stronger proof of Anderson’s emergence as a figure of international stature than these three scores, brilliantly performed by the LPO.

The 45-year old London-born composer manipulates the orchestra with enviable assurance, subtlety and precision – spangled timbres radiating light, harmonies exploiting tensions on the edge of tonality, melodies made up of tantalising snatches of lyrical conversation.

The five fantasies add up to a virtuoso showpiece – tingling stuff – while The Crazed Moon and The Discovery of Heaven are among the most vivid soundscapes of the modern orchestral era.

Julian Anderson

Fantasias, The Crazed Moon, The Discovery of Heaven

Vladimir Jurowski/Ryan Wigglesworth

(London Philharmonic Orchestra)