I don't recall the beginning of this thread, so forgive me if I am
repeating someone else's posting, but there are two recent British viola
concerti that deserve mention.  Robin Holloway's dates from c.  1985 and
was first performed at the Proms around then.  It's has some gorgeously
rich and Romantic passages - I remember at the last rehearsal the
conductor, Vernon Handley, turning around as he conducted to beam at the
composer during one particularly sumptuous stretch.  Unfortunately, it is
not on CD yet.  But John Woolrich's Concerto of 1993 has just come out from
NMC (NMC D071, which also has his Oboe Concerto and a couple of orchestral
pieces).  It's in seven linked movements, each alluding to the germ of a
motif from Beethoven, Monteverdi, Schumann, etc.  - and it is very, very
beautiful.  One of the loveliest things I have heard in years.

There have been two other notable NMC releases recently: Hugh Wood's
Symphony and Scenes from Comus (D070) and David Matthews' In the Dark Time
and Chaconne, both symphonic poems (D067).  Highly recommended!  Details at
www.nmcrec.c.uk or e-mail them at [log in to unmask]

Cheers

Martin Anderson
Toccata Press
http://www.drakeint.co.uk/toccata-press/