Album: Alison Balsom, Seraph (EMI Classics)

Following acclaimed interpretations of Vivaldi, Haydn, Hummel and Albinoni, trumpeter Alison Balsom tackles more modernist 20th century terrain.

Alexander Arutiunian's "Trumpet Concerto" is evocative of Rimsky-Korsakov's ebullience, the romantic central movement the standout, held in check by Balsom's subtle use of mute. Bernd Alois Zimmermann's "Nobody knows de trouble I see" is a complex arrangement of spirituals informed by recent experience of war. But the highlight is James MacMillan's "Seraph", with the assertive opening brio giving way to a more reflective Adagio dialogue between trumpet and violin, before emerging refreshed for the animated closing movement.

DOWNLOAD THIS: Seraph; Trumpet Concerto; Nobody knows de trouble I see