Page 10 - Final_Media Coverage Book, nonclassical Songbooks Vol. 1

8 October 2020

Cultural appropriation? No, this is just

wonderful music

Adapting the traditions of a different culture can be inspiring, as a new CD illustrates
IVAN HEWETT
CLASSICAL MUSIC CRITIC

In these difficult times, when one needs a port in the storm and a balm for the soul,
it’s natural to turn to things which are familiar and comforting. For me that means
Monteverdi, Bach, Debussy, and above all Haydn, who I praised as the ideal
lockdown composer many months ago.

However, this week something has come my way which is a heartening reminder that
modern music too can refresh the spirits and take us out of ourselves. It’s a new CD
from the excellent young Ligeti Quartet, containing the first set of “Songbooks” by
the 36-year-old British composer Christian Mason. They contain the fruits of
Mason’s long fascination with the way different cultures make use of that most
fundamental musical instrument, the voice.