The first ever disc of Judith Weir's major orchestral works, performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Martyn Brabbins, includes Natural History - a colourful and dramatic setting of Chinese texts for soprano and orchestra; Moon and Star, which sets an ethereal Emily Dickinson poem for virtuoso small choir and orchestra, designed for the BBC Singers who perform it here; and the orchestral pieces Forest, Heroic Strokes of the Bow, and title work The Welcome Arrival of Rain, inspired by the annual Indian monsoon.

AUDIO

Catalogue number: NMC D137