Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's compositions with this captivating album, released on November 3, 1998, under the esteemed Naxos label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this collection showcases Finzi's mastery of melody and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music.
The album opens with the powerful Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31, a three-movement work that demonstrates Finzi's skill in blending orchestral and solo clarinet passages. Following this, the 5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a, arranged for clarinet and strings by L. Ashmore, offer a delightful contrast with their playful and varied character pieces.
Finzi's Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a, is represented by three soliloquies, each a miniature gem that captures the essence of Shakespeare's characters. The album also includes the evocative A Severn Rhapsody, Op. 3, the lyrical Romance in E-Flat Major, Op. 11, and the serene Introit in F Major, Op. 6.
Throughout the album, Finzi's unique voice shines through, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights his contributions to the classical music canon. Whether you're a longtime fan of Finzi's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
1998 Naxos1998 Naxos
Tracks
Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31: I. Allegro vigorosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31: II. Adagio, ma senza rigoreGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31: III. Rondo. Allegro giocosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 1, Prelude. Allegro decisoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 2, Romance. Andante tranquilloGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 3, Carol. Andante sempliceGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 4, Forlana. Allegretto graziosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 5, Fughetta. Allegro vivaceGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a: VII. Soliloquy No. 1, The King's PoemGerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a: VIII. Soliloquy No. 2, Longaville's SonnetGerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a: IX. Soliloquy No. 3, Dumaine's PoemGerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
A Severn Rhapsody, Op. 3Gerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Romance in E-Flat Major, Op. 11Gerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Introit in F Major, Op. 6Gerald Finzi, Lesley Hatfield, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths