Finzi: Love's Labour's Lost, Let Us Garlands Bring & Other Works

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released on May 1, 2007, by Lyrita. Spanning a little over an hour and seventeen minutes, this collection showcases Finzi's distinctive compositional style and his deep appreciation for English poetry and literature.

The album opens with "Love's Labour's Lost, Op. 28b," a ten-movement work inspired by Shakespeare's play of the same name. Each movement offers a unique exploration of the play's themes and characters, from the playful "Moth" to the introspective "Soliloquy III." Following this is "Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18," a five-movement work that sets texts by Shakespeare and other poets, including the evocative "Who Is Silvia?" and the serene "Fear No More the Heat o' the Sun."

The album also features "2 Sonnets, Op. 12," a pair of settings of Shakespeare's sonnets that highlight Finzi's ability to convey deep emotion and introspection. The album concludes with "Farewell to Arms, Op. 9," a poignant work for voice and piano, and "In terra pax, Op. 39 'Christmas Scene'," a festive choral work that showcases Finzi's ability to evoke the spirit of the season.

Throughout the album, Finzi's lush harmonies and rich textures are brought to life by the skilled performances of the artists involved. This album is a testament to Finzi's enduring legacy as one of the most important British composers of the 20th century, and a must-listen for anyone interested in choral music and the English musical tradition.