Lyra Angelica
Alwyn (1905-85) is one of the more neglected British composers of this  century. His music, as presented on this Chandos state-of-the-art release,  successfully avoids the lushly lyrical specter of Vaughan Williams. (Alwyn  sometimes takes deep bows to Vaughn Williams with his occasional use of  atonality, particularly in his symphonies and works for string orchestra). These  works are for string orchestra and harp(Lyra Angelica),cor anglais(Autumn Legend)and viola(Pastoral Fantasia).If Alwyn has a  soul-mate, it's probably his older (and just as cranky) contemporary Arnold Bax.  This disc is an excellent introduction to Alwyn.--Paul Cook