Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's "Dies natalis & Intimations of Immortality," a captivating classical album released on October 1, 1996, under the Hyperion label. This exquisite collection showcases Finzi's masterful compositional skills, blending intricate orchestration with deeply evocative melodies.
The album is divided into two main works. "Dies natalis," Op. 8, is a five-movement piece that begins with the stirring "Intrada" and concludes with the serene "The Salutation. Aria." Each movement is a journey in itself, taking the listener through a range of emotions and musical landscapes. The second part of the album, "Intimations of Immortality," Op. 29, is a twelve-movement orchestral work inspired by the poetry of William Wordsworth. It opens with the contemplative "Andante sostenuto" and culminates in the exuberant "Then Sing, Ye Birds, Sing, Sing a Joyous Song!"
With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album is a testament to Finzi's ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Finzi's "Dies natalis & Intimations of Immortality" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Dies natalis, Op. 8: I. IntradaGerald Finzi, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra
Dies natalis, Op. 8: II. Rhapsody. Recitativo stromentatoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: III. The Rapture. DanzaGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: IV. Wonder. AriosoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: V. The Salutation. AriaGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: I. Andante sostenutoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: II. There Was a Time When Meadow, Grove, and StreamGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: III. The Rainbow Comes and GoesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Corydon Orchestra, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: IV. Now, While the Birds Thus Sing a Joyous SongGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: V. Ye Blessèd Creatures, I Have Heard the CallGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VI. Oh Evil Day! If I Were SullenGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VII. – But There's a Tree, of Many, OneGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best, John Mark Ainsley
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VIII. Our Birth Is But a-Sleep and a-ForgettingGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: IX. Earth Fills Her Lap with Pleasures of Her OwnGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: X. O Joy! That in Our EmbersGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XI. But for Those First AffectionsGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XII. Then Sing, Ye Birds, Sing, Sing a Joyous Song!Gerald Finzi, Matthew Best, Corydon Singers, Corydon Orchestra
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XIII. And O, Ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and GrovesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra