In every way imaginable, this is an extraordinarily moving recording. A Garland for Linda arose from Paul McCartney's desire to help find a cure for cancer while creating that support by composition of life enhancing music. His goal found precedent in "a Garland for the Queen" from 1953 when ten leading British composers, including Vaughan Williams, contributed new works as a musical celebration of the coronation. This celebration is of the life of Linda McCartney. The recording opens with one piece from the earlier "Garland," "Silence and Music" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This remarkable recording then has new works by John Tavener, Judith Bingham, John Rutter, David Matthews, Paul McCartney, Roxanna Panufnik, Michael Berkeley, Giles Swayne, and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett. It is a glorious 'Who's Who' of contemporary British composers. |
