Over the past few years, conductor Douglas Bostock has prepared and recorded an unrivalled selection of British works for string orchestra in which international luminaries (Edward Elgar, Hubert Parry, Ethel Smyth) and lesser-known national figures join together in an enlightening and uplifting way. The fifth volume marks not only the conclusion of the series, but also the end of an era. After seven years in the role, Douglas Bostock is stepping down as principal conductor of the South West Chamber Orchestra Pforzheim. Once again, the sons and daughters of Albion rise up and soar over their unique musical landscapes – Imogen Holst draws inspiration from an old picaresque novel, Gordon Jacob delivers brilliant variations on a theme by Purcell, the conductor Eugene Goossens demonstrates his creative imagination, and finally, despite his “progressive” tone, the Welshman William Mathias leaves no doubt as to where he was born.