Rundell's compelling realisation of the extraordinary Hill Song No 1 – regarded by Grainger as one of his finest achievements and performed here in its original guise for two piccolos, six oboes, six cors anglais, six bassoons and double bassoon – was actually made by BBC Manchester back in 1992; the remaining items date from 1997 and benefit from the splendid sound and balance achieved by Chandos.
Another of Grainger's most striking wind-band compositions opens the disc, namely the 12- minute The Power of Rome and the ChristianHeart.
Both the Children's March and Bell Piece feature some unexpected vocal contributions. In the latter – a charming 'ramble' on John Dowland's Now, O now I needs must part – Grainger incorporates a bell part specially written for his wife, Ella.
The delightfully piquant arrangements of BlitheBells and The Immovable Do date from March 1931 and November/December 1939 respectively.
These fine players equally revel in the 'scrunchy' harmonies of the eventful version of Irish Tunefrom County Derry (made in 1920 for military band and pipe-organ). That just leaves the boisterous Marching Song of Democracy, which Rundell again directs as to the manner born.