Composer: Vic Hoyland
Works: In Transit (1987), Vixen (1996)
Performers: BBC Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)
Recording: Recorded at BBC Studio 1, Maida Vale, London, April 2000 DDD
Label: NMC NMCD072
Vic Hoyland, a prominent figure in contemporary British music, has cultivated a distinct compositional voice marked by an engaging blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic ingenuity. Since the 1970s, his oeuvre has evolved from vocal and theatrical works to a more instrumental focus, as evidenced by the two pieces featured in this recording—In Transit and Vixen. Both compositions reveal Hoyland’s fascination with architectural forms and rhythmic cycles, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as the intricate patterns of the Centre for the Arab World in Paris and the mathematical writings of Avicenna. This recording not only serves as an introduction to Hoyland’s orchestral language but also highlights the exceptional capabilities of the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the expert baton of Martyn Brabbins.
The interpretation of Vixen, composed in response to a commission for the 1997 Cheltenham Festival, unfolds over five movements, showcasing a remarkable structural coherence that belies its contemporary idiom. The BBC Symphony Orchestra delivers a performance that is both authoritative and nuanced, navigating the rich tapestry of textures with an impressive command. The use of gestural motifs, particularly in the explosive brass chords reminiscent of Messiaen, stands out, infusing the work with a palpable sense of drama. The fourth movement, characterized by its ethereal beauty, exemplifies Hoyland’s ability to evoke profound emotional landscapes through subtle orchestration. The floating melodies, particularly in the quiet moments, demonstrate his deftness at weaving intricate lines into a broader sonic fabric, culminating in a closing section that evokes the serene tolling of bells, masterfully realized by the harps and percussion.
In Transit, conceived as a spatial exploration of sound, presents a different yet equally compelling facet of Hoyland’s artistry. The compositional design, with its antiphonal arrangement of percussionists and orchestras, creates a dynamic interplay of musical ideas that can often feel “in transit” between contrasting sonic realms. Brabbins’s interpretation masterfully captures the work’s inherent tension, allowing the audience to experience the obsessive reiterations and figurations that Hoyland employs to build intensity. The three designated points of repose, featuring delicate solos for flute and cor anglais, serve as moments of clarity amidst the rhythmic complexity, grounding the listener in the evolving soundscape. The recording quality is commendable, with excellent separation of the spatial elements, ensuring that the intricate layers of sound are vividly presented, allowing for a full appreciation of Hoyland’s architectural approach to orchestration.
The engineering of this recording, overseen by NMC, merits particular praise for its clarity and balance. The sonic landscape is rendered with depth, allowing the listener to engage with the nuances of Hoyland’s orchestration. Each instrument shines through, whether it be the penetrating brass or the delicate woodwinds, making the listening experience both immersive and enlightening. Compared to other recordings of Hoyland’s work, this release stands out for its fidelity and interpretative insight, offering a robust representation of his orchestral output.
Hoyland’s music, particularly in the works represented here, is a testament to the enduring vitality of contemporary British composition. The clarity of thought and architectural rigor found in both In Transit and Vixen, coupled with the exceptional performance by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, positions this recording as an essential addition to the repertoire. The combination of Hoyland’s originality and the ensemble’s virtuosity culminates in a listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, firmly establishing Vic Hoyland’s status as a significant voice in the landscape of modern music.
