Finzi: Love's Labour's Lost, Let Us Garlands Bring & Other Works

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's choral and orchestral masterpieces with the 2007 release, "Finzi: Love's Labour's Lost, Let Us Garlands Bring & Other Works." This captivating album, spanning a little over an hour and seventeen minutes, is a testament to Finzi's exquisite compositional prowess and the extraordinary talents of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vernon Handley.

The album opens with Finzi's opulent setting of Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," a suite that beautifully captures the essence of the play through its ten movements. From the delicate "Introduction" to the lively "Dance" and the introspective "Soliloquies," each piece is a jewel in its own right. The album continues with the pastoral charm of "Let Us Garlands Bring," a five-song cycle based on poems by William Shakespeare, showcasing Finzi's ability to blend words and music seamlessly.

The album also features Finzi's "2 Sonnets," inspired by John Milton's poetry, and the poignant "Farewell to Arms," a work that reflects Finzi's deep sensitivity and emotional depth. The album concludes with the serene and uplifting "In terra pax, Op. 39," a Christmas scene that is both a celebration of the season and a reflection on the human condition.

The vocal soloists, all of whom are uniformly excellent and consistently English, bring a richness and clarity to the text that is truly exemplary. Their diction is impeccable, and their tone is both warm and inviting. The Philharmonia Orchestra, under the baton of Vernon Handley, provides a lush and supportive backdrop, bringing out the full range of Finzi's orchestral colors.

Whether you are a longtime fan of Gerald Finzi or a newcomer to his music, this album is a treasure trove of beautiful and moving works that are sure to captivate and inspire. The combination of Finzi's evocative compositions, the superb performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the stellar vocal soloists makes this album a standout in the world of classical music.