The Amstel Saxophone Quartet’s compilation of contemporary European compositions includes Ian Wilson’s So Softly (1992). The directness of communication is clearly represented in the piece, about which the composer wrote ‘Cast in four sections, the rhythm of the outer tones has the rise and fall of breathing. The piece itself is mostly gentle, almost like a lullaby, with a sense of appearing from, and disappearing into nothingness.’

Volume Two in a series of promotional CDs issued without charge by the Contemporary Music Centre to provide a stimulating introduction to the work of Irish composers. This 'musical calling card' was produced with the assistance of funding from the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. See also Volume Three and Four in the series.

A compelling collaboration between Gerard McChrystal (saxophone) and Craig Ogden (guitar). Folk, jazz and contemporary styles influence much of this album which features music from Ireland, Australia, UK and Germany. All of the music for this unusual instrumental combination has been specially written or arranged for the duo.

Ian Wilson’s ‘Una Santa Oscura’ (’an obscure saint’) is inspired by Hildegard of Bingen, a German abbess, mystic and composer. The music is partly ritualistic and meditative in nature, structured to reflect a ‘cloistered’ day. An electronically-generated tape part plays almost continuously, and much of its basis is one of Hildegard’s compositions, ‘Ave Maria, O auctrix vite’, which is heard at the very end of the work. The work is performed by Ioana Petcu-Colan.