The music of William Wordsworth (1908–88) – a great-great-grandson of the poet’s brother Christopher – lies downstream from that of Vaughan Williams and Sibelius; like that of his contemporary Edmund Rubbra, Wordsworth’s music unfolds spontaneously, as a natural process. This fourth volume of his orchestral works presents four works which are all symphonic studies in essence, each remarkable for its unassertive strength of purpose and its suggestion of a sense of scale beyond its actual dimensions – perhaps in part a reflection of the majesty of the Scottish Highlands where he made his home, and of the quiet resolve of his own character.

“These are sensitive and at times impassioned performances from Liepāja’s orchestra under John Gibbons.” – Gramophone, Awards Issue 2018 (Vol.1, TOCC0480)

“Latvian pianist Arta Arnicane and Polish violinist Kamila Bydlowska distinguish themselves with technically accomplished, committed performances of the Concertos. They receive outstanding support from the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra (LSO) under acclaimed, British conductor John Gibbons, who along with the talented members of the LSO, give a moving account of [the] Sketches.” – Classical Lost & Found, December 2019 (Vol.2, TOCC0526)

“John Gibbons is a most persuasive […] advocate for Wordsworth’s music. He is in full command of the Liepaja orchestra in his pursuit of the composer’s all-important rhythmic pulse and sense of orchestral detail. Most important, he communicates his sense of the importance of Wordsworth’s music. […] I strongly hope Toccata is planning more entries in their Wordsworth series, and if so, a prime candidate would be his Symphony No 7 (Cosmos), as well as some of the shorter orchestral works.” – MusicWeb International, August 2021 (Vol.3, TOCC0600)