Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of chamber music with Geoffrey Bush's captivating album, released on July 1, 1990, under the esteemed Chandos label. This 51-minute journey is a delightful blend of various compositions, each offering a unique sonic experience.
The album opens with "A Summer Serenade," a seven-part suite that paints a vivid musical landscape, evoking the warmth and vibrancy of the season. From the gentle "Prologue" to the lively "Scherzo" and the haunting "Nocturne," Bush's compositions are a testament to his mastery of the chamber music genre.
Following the serenade, the album presents "4 Songs," a quartet of vocal pieces that showcase Bush's lyrical prowess. The songs, ranging from the impassioned "The Impatient Lover" to the melancholic "Upon the loss of his Mistresses," offer a glimpse into the human experience.
The whimsical "A Menagerie" is next, a three-part suite that brings to life the sounds and movements of various animals. The playful "Tiger," the quaint "Cuckoo," and the lively "Monkey-house" are sure to delight and amuse.
The album concludes with "Farewell, Earth's Bliss," a six-part suite that draws from the poetry of William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. These pieces, with their rich harmonies and poignant melodies, offer a reflective and introspective end to the album.
Geoffrey Bush's "A Summer Serenade, 4 Songs, A Menagerie & Farewell, Earth's Bliss" is a treasure trove of chamber music, offering a diverse and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned chamber music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
1990 Chandos Records1990 Chandos Records
Tracks
A Summer Serenade: I. PrologueGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
A Summer Serenade: II. MadrigalGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
A Summer Serenade: III. ScherzoGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
A Summer Serenade: IV. DirgeGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
A Summer Serenade: V. AubadeGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
A Summer Serenade: VI. NocturneGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
A Summer Serenade: VII. FinaleGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Thompson, Eric Parkin, Westminster Singers
4 Songs: I. The Impatient LoverGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Songs: II. Upon the loss of his MistressesGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Songs: III. To ElectraGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
4 Songs: IV. Upon Julia's clothesGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
A Menagerie: I. TigerGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Westminster Singers
A Menagerie: II. CuckooGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Westminster Singers
A Menagerie: III. Monkey-houseGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Westminster Singers
Farewell, Earth's Bliss: I. Sweet day, so coolGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Farewell, Earth's Bliss: II. O, the month of MayGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Farewell, Earth's Bliss: III. Do not fear to put thy feetGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Farewell, Earth's Bliss: IV. Fear no more the heat o' the sunGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Farewell, Earth's Bliss: V. When May is in his primeGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe
Farewell, Earth's Bliss: VI. Fair pledges of a fruitful treeGeoffrey Bush, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Varcoe