It is our contention that George Lloyd put some of his most imaginative and unusual music into his chamber music and concertos. The symphonies and choral works are big, romantic, immediately appealing. The concertos and chamber music are like - well, the two works contained on this disc. As a young man, Lloyd studied violin with the great English violinist Albert Sammons. Writing for the violin came naturally to him. These two concertos are unusual in that No.1 is written for violin and wind ensemble (woodwinds in threes, 2 horns, 2 trumpets and 2 trombones, with no percussion or strings) and No.2 is written for violin and strings only. These two works were recorded during the week before George Lloyd died on 3 July 1998. In fact, he was supposed to conduct these performances, but David Parry stepped in at the last minute and with the wonderful Rumanian violinist Cristina Anghelescu and members of the Philharmonia Orchestra to complete the project. The recording was made in Henry Wood Hall. George was even too ill to attend the sessions, but he was making suggestions as to the best placement of the players to achieve just the recorded sound he wanted 48 hours before his death. This beautiful recording is a fine and lasting memorial to this composer whose music brings such passionate joy to so many music lovers all over the world.

"...Those familiar with Lloyd's warm, spacious, big-hearted, sumptuously orchestrated symphonies won't be disappointed with his violin concertos. Allegros are jaunty, cheerful, ebullient, and packed with dandy tunes, adagios infused with tender longing and nostalgic melancholy....Performances are excellent - soloist Cristina Anghelescu is wonderful - and record sound strong, clear, and natural. Music lovers (like me) who have succumbed to Lloyd's symphonies will want these concertos too. If you haven't yet discovered Lloyd, I would recommend you start with the splendid Fifth Symphony on Albany 22. Then check out these concertos." - American Record Guide