John Casken writes in a manifestly 21st-century style, incorporating elements of expressionism and lyrical atonality as well as free tonality, which are used in varying degrees piece by piece. His music is usually direct in appeal, with melodic writing not unlike Maw’s, and repays repeated and focused listening.

Guy Rickards, Gramophone 2014

What a fascinating, ear-catching, image-conjuring work it is. Casken has dramatically embraced and revivified the technique of melodrama. At almost half an hour this is a substantial work but it is not a minute too long.

Geoffrey Norris, Gramophone