City of London Choir - Gardner: The Ballad of the White Horse, Op. 40 (2020)

John Gardner was one of those English composers who is usually considered underrated. This new CD from the bold label EM Records
convincingly proves the need to reevaluate and spread Gardner's music more widely.
"The Ballad of the White Horse" is a major choral work that has remained virtually unpublished since its premiere in 1959. This is a virtuoso piece
of orchestral and choral music created by a composer who was greatly inspired by Chesterton's epic poem about King Alfred's defeat by
the Vikings in the 9th century. Here it is performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the City of London Choir and Hilary Davan Wetton.
The disc ends with the orchestral "English Ballad", in fact, an English symphonic poem inspired by the classic story of a lady who ran away with a gypsy.
The solo electric guitar occupies a prominent place in it, reflecting Gardner's view on the importance of the electric guitar in 20th-century music. Both plays, originally written
for amateur performers, are very accessible and enjoyable to listen to. As stated in the review of the premiere of "The Ballad of the White Horse": "The music that [the choir]
It's nice to sing, and easy for the audience to appreciate. But behind this simplicity lies a wealth of ingenuity and craftsmanship."