Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Harrison Birtwistle's "The Woman And The Hare," a remarkable album released on January 1, 2002, under the Decca (UMO) label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to Birtwistle's extraordinary compositional prowess and his ability to blend various musical elements into a cohesive and enthralling experience.
The album opens with the evocative title track, "The Woman and the Hare," followed by a series of nine settings of Lorine Niedecker's poetry for soprano and cello. These settings, each with its own unique character, showcase Birtwistle's sensitivity to text and his skill in creating evocative musical landscapes. The soprano and cello duo brings a sense of intimacy and depth to these pieces, making them a highlight of the album.
The second half of the album features "Duets for Storab," a collection of six pieces that explore a range of moods and textures. From the lively "Vurlar" to the contemplative "White Pastoral," these duets offer a glimpse into Birtwistle's versatility and his ability to craft compelling musical narratives.
The album concludes with "An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton)" for oboe and piano, a poignant tribute to the late oboist Janet Craxton. This three-movement work is a beautiful example of Birtwistle's ability to convey deep emotion through music.
"Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments" rounds out the album, offering a series of short, evocative pieces that draw inspiration from the ancient Greek poet Sappho. These fragments, interspersed with entr'actes, create a sense of continuity and flow, making them a fitting conclusion to this remarkable album.
Harrison Birtwistle's "The Woman And The Hare" is a journey through the composer's rich musical landscape, offering a diverse range of pieces that showcase his unique voice and his ability to create compelling, engaging music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Birtwistle's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Vinylscout