This album celebrates 50 years of the composing career of Malcolm Lipkin (1932-2017) and represents a fitting tribute to a long established and highly respected composer whose music at times was dismissed as old-fashioned for daring to employ real tunes; now it can be appreciated as thoroughly individual, proving that new music can be accessible without losing integrity. He produced a considerable collection of distinctive, finely crafted works in many genres, including two symphonies and an Oboe Concerto, six Sonatas and eight Nocturnes for piano, and chamber, vocal and choral pieces, several commissioned by leading performers. Three tracks here were recorded in 1984 by the Nash Ensemble, then as now among the cream of chamber groups; issued by Hyperion 1986 on vinyl only, these recordings have been excellently remastered from LP for this new issue. Adding to the mix are new recordings by premier instrumentalists each of whom is celebrated in their own field as a musician of the highest calibre.

“Malcolm Lipkin was a fine composer and this generously filled disc presents a rich selection from his chamber and instrumental output. This satisfying, carefully planned composer portrait is warmly recommended.”
- Paul Conway (Musical Opinion)

“This collection of seven compositions spanning 50 years of creation is fabulous and respectful. The musicians all perform with thoughtful, precise musical detail. Lipkin’s works may be slightly old-fashioned but they are memorable.”
- Tiina Kiik (The Whole Note)

“I find his original eclecticism rather refreshing in its direct straightforward musical candor. The music has the bark and bite of harmonic Modernity and chromatic open-field forwardness without necessarily straying into complete atonality. The music has the bark and bite of harmonic Modernity and chromatic open-field forwardness without necessarily straying into complete atonality; the music convinces without belonging to a particular camp. A valuable look at an English figure of the 20th Century worthy of exploring.”
– Grego Edwards (Gapplegate Classical Modern Music)