The disc opens with a previously unrecorded Concerto for Tuba by John Williams, the award-winning composer who recently scored Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Williams has written numerous concerti, with this work given its resounding debut on disc by Albion Brass Consort founder member Marc Easener.

Germaine Tailleferre's comment that 'I write music because it amuses me' belies her significance as a prolific member of Les Six, along with Milhaud and Honegger. Having won prizes at the Paris Conservatoire, Tailleferre's witty music was championed by Ravel, who shared her love of Stravinsky's neo-classicism. This colourful work for harp and orchestra is performed here by internationally acclaimed soloist Gabriella Dall'Olio.

The Concerto for Saxophone by Henri Tomasi, never recorded before, is characteristic of the diversity of styles on which he drew. Ranging from Corsican folk elements, to jazz, to serialism, all the time retaining natural affinities with Debussy and Ravel, Tomasi earns his title of 'Modern Impressionist' with this joyous work, played with great flair by soloist Duncan Ashby.

As part of the Sannin no Kai (Group of Three) along with Akutagawa and Dan, Toshiro Mayuzumi combined traditional music from Japan, India and Bali with neo-Romantic orchestration, electronic and avant-garde techniques, and the musical styles of Stravinsky, Messiaen and Pierre Boulez. Here performed by up-and-coming soloist Joanne May, the Concertino is classically structured and illustrates the composer's exciting synthesis of influences.

1. Tuba Concert 1985 John Williams (19:59)

Harp Concerto 1923 Germaine Tailleferre
2. First Movement: Allegretto (8:45)
3. Second Movement: Lento (3:47)
4. Third Movement: Rondo (5:39)

5. Saxaphone Concerto 1949 Henri Tomasi (18:23)

6. Xylophone Concertino 1965 Toshiro Mayuzumi (11:30)