"It is a real symphony with organic and imaginative development of the thematic material ... There is also a steadily increasing emotional drive ... In the finale the threads are drawn together with a sure and economical hand. This is both the structural and emotional cumulation of a work that should be heard again."
"I was all set to comment on how unfair it was to pair his new quartet with one by Shostakovich when, in the event, ... the new Hedges piece was by no means outshone."
"... completely enjoyable ... our Beverley composer is the complete master of orchestral colour and texture."
"Hedges' music ... may not be avant garde in its materials but it is very much of this century and its command of form, its rich textures and its 'rightness' for the instruments employed are undeniable."
"Hedges' second exploration of this combination is every bit as successful as the first."
"The magnificent work which I have declared a potential prom-winner though written for chamber orchestra ..."
"Light music in the best sense of the term."
"A bold, imaginative piece, rich in drama and melodic appeal. No desultory quirkiness here, but a throbbing organic unity."
"Hedges' thoughtfully crafted and approachable setting, constructed like its subject in one impressive span."
"Has that indefinable quality that we call significance, so that everything from short phrases to whole structures carries a purely musical conviction, which is, I suppose, one of the hallmarks of fine music."
"What is characteristic is the close reasoning which doesn't preclude variety and is no apparent substitute for musical impulse."
"This is an involved score, both challenging and rewarding and immense fun."
"Practical, theatrically effective, exciting, and ultimately rather moving ... [the score] is accessible, cleverly constructed, with a nice line in wry lyricism."
"This is exciting contemporary music and contains melodic threads of great attractiveness."
"As heady and springlike as a day in May, bright and bouyant and lit with unexpected and imaginative touches at many points."
"The Hedges work is brilliant, far-seeing and forthright ... colourful. almost extravagantly so, yet with an economy of idea which transports it through the various sections in total character with the words."
WESTFIELD MUSIC
76 Walkergate, Beverley, East Yorkshire
HU17 9ER United Kingdom
E-Mail: ahedges@westfieldmusic.karoo.co.uk