La Vita Nuova (1997)/ Ghost Dances / Roman Canticle

"Maws originality may not be yelling in your face but original he is. He draws on influences diverse as Britten and R. Strauss in "Vita Nuova", blends elements of Schönberg and Stravinsky with sounds of Latin and African folk in "Ghost Dances" and still comes up with something like nobody else. The performances are of outstanding warmth and finesse; it's hard to believe that in "Vita Nuova" only 10 instruments are playing. Near-perfect intro to a composer who offers genuine long-term rewards." (Gramophone)