Steve Martland - 266 (1989)

One of the intial group of releases that launched Factory Records' short-lived Factory Classical imprint, this album contains two works by English composer Steve Martland (1954-2013).  Given the parent label's all-consuming obsession with catalogue numbers, I suppose it makes sense that all the initial Classical albums were released under numbered titles: 226, 236, 246 and so on. 

Martland had studied under Louis Andriessen, which may have provided some of the inspiration for integrating rock instruments into an orchestral score, as heard on Babi Yar (composed 1983).  Named after the ravine outside Kiev that bore witness to so many Nazi atrocities, Babi Yar is a firey, dramatic work for three orchestras.  As well as evoking the horror of the Holocaust, it's supposed to also contain hope for humanity, and the slow, dignifed Epilogue is particularly affecting.

The other work on 266 is Drill for two pianos, composed in 1987 and played here by the two Dutch pianists for whom it was written.  With equal amounts of Martland's choppy, striking rhythmic touch and really gorgeous, flowing and lyrical passages, Drill should be right up the street of anyone who likes John Adams' piano works, for example.  Martland would release a few more albums in his lifetime, before his obvious talent was tragically cut short by a heart attack at the age of 58.

link
pw: sgtg