The mid-to-late 20th century saw the development of a new breed of English classical composers. As composers like Bennett, Birtwistle, Davies, and Maw were starting to hit their stride, a new generation (Ferneyhough, Finnessy, Holloway, Salter, et al) began to make itself heard. Of course not everything was gold; I don't understand the fascination with the Johns of the time (that'd be Rutter and Tavener). But, perhaps they have some works worth knowing that I don't know, yet.

Anyway, of the even-younger generation, several key figures have emerged whose works are well worth getting to know, including Philip Cashian, Robert Saxton, and the subject of this month's CCM, Mark-Anthony Turnage. While much of his extensive output is directly influenced by jazz, there are plenty of pieces which show no obvious signs of this. His sensitive ear explores the capabilities and timbral possibilities of his forces with great technical ability, and a good deal of subtlety. This month's clip is an excerpt from his Eulogy, for the interesting combination of solo viola with piano, English horn, clarinet, horn, violin, cello, bass and harp.