Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Roger Quilter's songcraft with this exquisite collection, performed by the renowned tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Anna Tilbrook. Released on 21 June 2024 by Chandos, this album showcases the delicate beauty and lyrical genius of Quilter's vocal works, spanning a duration of 64 minutes.
Born in Sussex in 1877, Roger Quilter studied under the esteemed composer Iwan Knorr at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, where he honed his unique musical voice alongside contemporaries such as Percy Grainger and Cyril Scott. This album offers a comprehensive exploration of Quilter's artistry, featuring both beloved favourites and lesser-known gems from his extensive song catalogue.
The programme opens with a selection of Quilter's Op. 6 songs, including the evocative 'Blow, blow, thou winter wind' and the charming 'O mistress mine'. The album also includes notable works such as 'Fear no more the heat o’ the sun', 'Orpheus with his lute', and the title track 'Go, lovely rose', each showcasing Quilter's mastery of text setting and melodic invention.
In addition to Quilter's original compositions, the album features several traditional songs arranged by the composer, including 'Barbara Allen', 'Drink to Me Only', and 'The Ash Grove'. These arrangements demonstrate Quilter's ability to infuse familiar melodies with fresh harmonic colours and expressive nuances.
James Gilchrist's crystalline tenor and Anna Tilbrook's sensitive piano accompaniment bring these songs to life with warmth, clarity, and a deep understanding of Quilter's musical language. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Roger Quilter's music or a newcomer to his enchanting songs, this album offers a captivating journey through the composer's rich and varied output.
Come away, death, Op. 6 No. 1: Come away, death, Op. 6 No. 1Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, Op. 23 No. 1: Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, Op. 23 No. 1Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Orpheus with his lute, Op. 32 No. 1: Orpheus with his lute, Op. 32 No. 1Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
O mistress mine, Op. 6 No. 2: O mistress mine, Op. 6 No. 2Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Under the greenwood tree, Op. 23 No. 2: Under the greenwood tree, Op. 23 No. 2Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
The Fuchsia Tree, Op. 25 No. 2: The Fuchsia Tree, Op. 25 No. 2Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Go, lovely rose, Op. 24 No. 3: Go, lovely rose, Op. 24 No. 3Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
A Last Year’s Rose, Op. 14 No. 3: A Last Year’s Rose, Op. 14 No. 3Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Now sleeps the crimson petal, Op. 3 No. 2: Now sleeps the crimson petal, Op. 3 No. 2Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
To Daisies, Op. 8 No. 3: To Daisies, Op. 8 No. 3Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Barbara Allen: Barbara AllenRoger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Drink to Me Only: Drink to me onlyRoger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
My Lady’s Garden: My Lady’s GardenRoger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
The Ash Grove: The Ash GroveRoger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Autumn Evening, Op. 14 No. 1: Autumn Evening, Op. 14 No. 1Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Dream Valley, Op. 20 No. 1: Dream Valley, Op. 20 No. 1Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Drooping Wings: Drooping WingsRoger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Music, when soft voices die, Op. 25 No. 5: Music, when soft voices die, Op. 25 No. 5Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Four Songs of Mirza Schaffy, Op. 2: I. Neig’, schöne Knospe, dich zu mir (Come, tender bud, lean close to me)Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Four Songs of Mirza Schaffy, Op. 2: II. Und was die Sonne glüht (The glow of summer sun)Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Four Songs of Mirza Schaffy, Op. 2: III. Ich fühle deinen Odem (The magic of thy presence)Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Four Songs of Mirza Schaffy, Op. 2: IV. Die helle Sonne leuchtet (The golden sunlight’s glory)Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Love’s Philosophy, Op. 3 No. 1: Love’s Philosophy, Op. 3 No. 1Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Julia’s Hair, Op. 8 No. 5: Julia’s Hair, Op. 8 No. 5Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
The Maiden Blush, Op. 8 No. 2: The Maiden Blush, Op. 8 No. 2Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
It was a lover and his lass, Op. 23 No. 3: It was a lover and his lass, Op. 23 No. 3Roger Quilter, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
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