Tony BANKS (b 1950)
SIX Pieces for Orchestra
Charlie Siem, violin* • Martin Robertson, alto saxophone†
The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra • Paul Englishby
Repertoire
Siren† • Still Waters • Blade* • Wild Pilgrimage • The Oracle • City of Gold

Tony Banks, founder member of rock band Genesis, has already written
a much admired orchestral work called Seven (8.557466), in which he
was praised for his ‘genuine melodic gift’ (Gramophone). His new work
consists of six evocative songs without words which may arouse in the
listener ideas of seduction, journeys, heroes, quests, decisions and
goals. Two of the pieces feature solo instruments – alto saxophone on
Siren and violin on Blade – played here by elite soloists, which mesh
into Banks’s orchestral tapestry with bewitching effect. The remaining
pieces reveal his outstanding lyrical gifts and total command of musical
narrative.

Tony Banks has a big following for his solo work outside the group. His
classical compositions have been admired for their lyricism and melodic
qualities, with some critics noting an affinity with the string works of
Vaughan Williams.

Throughout 2009 Charlie Siem’s reputation as one of the brightest new
classical artists grew with prestigious concerts in Paris, London, Oslo,
Bergen and Basel. He has since enjoyed a very successful career,
appearing with major orchestras and at festivals around the world. Martin
Robertson began his solo career in 1986, and has since performed as a
soloist with the Berlin, Los Angeles and London Philharmonic Orchestras,
BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Ensemble Intercontemporain.