Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of Frederick Delius with his profound composition, "A Mass of Life." Released on November 24, 2023, under the Lawo Classics label, this album is a testament to Delius's mastery of orchestral and choral works. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 34 minutes, "A Mass of Life" is a sweeping journey through a tapestry of emotions and themes, from exuberant joy to introspective melancholy.
Delius, known for his unique blend of impressionism and romanticism, crafts a piece that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The album is divided into two parts, each exploring different facets of life and existence. The first part begins with "Animato—O du mein Wille!" and moves through a series of movements that delve into themes of longing, reflection, and the passage of time. The second part opens with an introduction and continues with movements that evoke the grandeur of nature and the complexities of human experience.
The choral and orchestral arrangements are particularly noteworthy, showcasing Delius's ability to weave intricate harmonies and vivid imagery. The performances on this album are nothing short of breathtaking, with each note and phrase meticulously crafted to convey the depth and nuance of Delius's vision.
Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "A Mass of Life" offers a captivating and enriching listening experience. Delius's ability to blend poetic lyricism with powerful orchestration makes this album a standout in his repertoire and a must-listen for anyone appreciating the beauty of classical composition.
(C) 2023 LAWO Classics(P) 2023 LAWO Classics
Tracks
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 1: I. Animato—O du mein Wille!Frederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 1: II. Erhebt eure Herzen, BrĂĽder, hoch! (Recitativ)Frederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 1: III. Andante tranquillo con dolcezza—In dein Auge schaute ich jüngst, O LebenFrederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gemma Summerfield, Claudia Huckle, Bror Magnus Tødenes, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 1: IV. Agitato ma moderato—Wehe mir! Wo ist die Zeit hin?Frederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 1: V. Andante molto tranquillo—Nacht ist esFrederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: IntroductionFrederick Delius, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: I. Con elevazione e vigore—Herauf! Nun herauf, du grosser Mittag!Frederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gemma Summerfield, Claudia Huckle, Bror Magnus Tødenes, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: II. Andante—Süsse Leier! Ich liebe deinen TonFrederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: III. Lento molto—Lasst vom Tanzen ab, ihr lieblichen Mädchen!Frederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: IV. Lento—Heisser Mittag schläft auf den FlurenFrederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gemma Summerfield, Claudia Huckle, Bror Magnus Tødenes, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: V. Allegro ma non troppo—Gottes Weh ist tiefer, du wunderliche WeltFrederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
A Mass of Life, RT II/4, Pt. 2: VI. Largo con solennita—Kommt! Lasst uns jetzt wandeln!Frederick Delius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gemma Summerfield, Claudia Huckle, Bror Magnus Tødenes, Roderick Williams, Sir Mark Elder, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra