Our Man in Havana, based on Graham Greene’s novel, is among the most colourful of post-war British operas, with its catchy Cuban rhythms and its tunes first cousin to those in Broadway musicals. Until this execellent disc, the first of a projected Williamson series, not a note of it had been recorded, and this suite of four substantial movements makes one long for a full-scale stage revival Rumon Gamba conducts fresh, crisp performances with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, very well scored.
The Penguin Guide - 1000 Greatest Classical Recordings 2011-12
Williamson’s technical facility and stylistic diversity is one this; what he did with his skills is another: the music here is really quite wonderful and played (the occasional lapse of ensemble notwithstanding) with palpable affection and devotion and is recorded with clarity and dynamism… This release confirms him as a rather special composer.
International Record Review
All of them show how Williamson was highly skilled at manipulating a wide range of musical material, and how he could juxtapose apparently incompatible types of music to real theatrical effect. And between the tongue-in-cheek parodies and pastiches there are hints of something more searching and personal, suggesting that the chameleon-like character really was an artfully constructed mask.
The Guardian
Reminiscent of Malcolm Arnold , these catchy scores in exuberant performances should help restore the reputation of the late Master of the Queen’s Music.
Classic FM Magazine