Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's vocal masterpieces with this captivating album, released on May 1, 2005, under the Naxos label. Spanning a total of 61 minutes, this collection showcases Finzi's profound ability to blend poetry and music, creating an intimate and evocative experience.
The album features three distinct song cycles, each offering a unique exploration of love, nature, and the human condition. "I Said to Love" is a poignant set of six songs based on the poetry of Thomas Hardy, assembled posthumously by Finzi's widow and son. "Let Us Garlands Bring" is a delightful cycle of five songs set to Shakespeare's texts, showcasing Finzi's knack for capturing the essence of the Bard's language. "Before and After Summer" is a ten-movement cycle that delves into the themes of time, memory, and the changing seasons, with texts drawn from various poets.
Performed by the acclaimed baritone Roderick Williams and pianist Iain Burnside, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Finzi's music. Their nuanced interpretations bring out the subtleties and depths of Finzi's compositions, making this a truly memorable listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of one of the 20th century's most distinctive musical voices.
(C) 2005 Naxos(P) 2005 Naxos
Tracks
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 1, I Need Not GoGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 2, At Middle-Field Gate in FebruaryGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 3, Two LipsGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 4, In Five-Score SummersGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 5, For Life I Had Never Cared GreatlyGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 6, I Said to LoveGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 1, Come Away, Come Away, DeathGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 2, Who Is Silvia?Gerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 3, Fear No More the Heat o' the SunGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 4, O Mistress MineGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 5, It Was a Lover and His LassGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 1, Childhood Among the FernsGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 2, Before and After SummerGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 3, The Self-UnseeingGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 4, Overlooking the RiverGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 5, Channel FiringGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 6, In the Mind's EyeGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 7, The Too Short TimeGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 8, EpeisodiaGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 9, AmabelGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 10, He Abjures LoveGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
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