This reissue commemorates the 50th anniversary of Percy Grainger’s death in February 1961.

Harmonium, four guitars, two mandolas, two mandolins, two ukuleles, piccolo, three clarinets, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, two alto saxophones, horn, strings, piano, baritone and choir: and that’s just the scoring for one piece, the famous sea shanty Shallow Brown.

Grainger’s Jungle Book cycle was recorded here (for the original Hyperion release) for the first time. The eleven contrasting movements vividly portray the sentiments of Kipling’s poetry and Grainger wrote of the cycle that it was ‘composed as a protest against civilization’.

‘This disc offers a sympathetic, endearing portrait of a composer too often valued for his wackiness and eccentricity alone’ - Classic CD

‘Unquestionably an important and relishable release’ - Hi Fi News

‘A capella singing at its very finest’ - Soundscapes, Australia

Gramophone Editor's Choice / Gramophone Critics' Choice

[previously CDA66863]