Matthew Taylor’s sense of musical architecture extends the symphonic tradition of Sibelius and Nielsen into the modern age. The mighty symphonies of Robert Simpson are an important influence on Taylor’s style.

Taylor’s Second Symphony, first drafted when the composer was only 27, responds to the symphonic challenge with a mighty explosion of energy, the four movements representing the development of the human embryo from conception to birth. Taylor’s fellow-composer Robin Holloway described the Symphony as ‘exceedingly powerful – tough, cogent, persuasive, compelling’.

The more inward, reflective Viola Concerto pays homage in spirit, though not in style, to Sibelius’ Humoresker for violin and orchestra and Schumann’s Humoreske for piano.

The is the third CD that Garry Walker has conducted for Toccata Classics, after the two well-received releases of Havergal Brian recorded with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on his native soil.