Hyperions Record of the Month for August brings the grand finale to our award-winning series of recordings presenting the symphonies of Robert Simpsonhailed by The Independent as surely about the most imposing symphonic cycle in progress. Symphony No 11 was composed in 1990 and is dedicated to Matthew Taylor (who here conducts) as a gesture of thanks for his dedication to Simpsons symphonic works. In two movements, it is scored for a Classical orchestra and continually hints at manners of expression hitherto unprecedented in the history of the modern symphony; all the more tragic therefore that it was to be the conclusion of one of the greatest symphonic cycles of the twentieth century. Variations on a theme by Nielsen (1983) is based on a tune from a suite of incidental music for a play. As Simpson might have put it, it doesnt matter if you cant tell a fifth from a rissole for the listener to enjoy this hugely entertaining workthe perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with his orchestral output. This recording is released with sincere thanks to Angela Simpson, the Robert Simpson Society, the City of London Sinfonia, and all the other companies and individuals who generously contributed to it, and is dedicated to the memory of Ted Perry.