The English composer Christopher Gunning (b. 1944) may be a name that is suddenly unknown to many. However, Gunning’s films and TV productions can be familiar with at least Agatha Christie’s filmmaking and the superb feathering series Garden Gardener (from Rosemary & Thyme ). The 75-year-old Gunning, who is still active in concert music, has been particularly interested in growing symphonic production.

Gunning’s thirteenth symphony series has been completed in the 21st century. The three symphonies now recorded play quite uniformly in style. Symphony No. 2 was completed at the beginning of the millennium, while Symphony No. 10 and No. 12 are only a few years old. The second symphony underwent a small overhaul before its initial cure.

In his symphonies, Gunning does not build on film-like snippets, but on the contrary carries narrative through smooth, long sequences. Formally, the symphonies are all constructed in slightly different ways, divided into one, two or three parts.

There is no significant stylistic difference between these works. Mostly the free tonal melody of warm and gentle sounds from time to time in small fatal shadows. Something else of style is also evidenced by the fact that Gunning mentions Sibelius several times in his introductory texts.

Christopher Gunning. Symphonies Nos. 2, 10 and 12. BBC Wales National Orchestra, Kenneth Woods. Signum (SIGCD593).

Listen to New Releases January 21, 2020, edited by Aki Yli-Salomäki.