Buxton Orr, born in Glasgow in 1924, was for many years a respected teacher at the Guildhall School in London.

Very little of his music, which ranges from tuneful folksong settings to toughly argued twelve-tone compositions such as those here, has been heard since his death in 1997. These four works for strings are all first recordings.

Two of the four works here are performed by the musicians who commissioned them, and most were friends of the composer. The String Trio was commissioned by the Beethoven String Trio of London, who play it here; in the two String Quartets they are joined by the violinist Andrew Roberts.

The Duo for Baroque Violin and String Bass is likewise performed by the two musicians who commissioned it, Maya Homburger and Barry Guy.

The music on this disc is tough and earnest but also lyrical and energetic and focuses attention on an important British composer whose music deserves more frequent performance.

This release is supported by a grant from The RVW Trust.

Beethoven String Trio of London:
- Pavlo Beznosiuk, violin
- Jeremy Williams, viola
- Richard Tunnicliffe, cello