Dive into the intricate and captivating world of Harrison Birtwistle with his compelling composition "Punch and Judy." Released on April 1, 2012, under NMC Recordings, this album is a testament to Birtwistle's mastery of orchestral and vocal arrangements. Spanning a substantial 1 hour and 43 minutes, the album is a journey through a series of interconnected movements, each with its own unique character and depth.
The tracklist is a rich tapestry of compositions, from the hauntingly beautiful "Homage to Judy" to the dramatic intensity of "War-Cry" and the eerie "Nightmare." Birtwistle's use of recurring themes and motifs creates a cohesive narrative, making "Punch and Judy" a compelling listen from start to finish. The album showcases Birtwistle's ability to blend traditional and modern elements, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and innovative.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Birtwistle's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "Punch and Judy" offers a rewarding and immersive experience. The album's intricate layers and dynamic range make it a standout piece in Birtwistle's discography, highlighting his unique voice in contemporary classical music.
2012 NMC Recordings2012 (P) NMC Recordings
Tracks
Punch and Judy: PrologueHarrison Birtwistle, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Homage to JudyHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Resolve IHarrison Birtwistle, Stephen Roberts, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Passion Chorale IHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Toccata I BHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Pretty Polly's Rhapsody IHarrison Birtwistle, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, David Wilson-Johnson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: SinfoniaHarrison Birtwistle, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: War-CryHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Toccata II BHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Pretty Polly's Rhapsody IIHarrison Birtwistle, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: RoundelHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Recitative & Passion Aria IIHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Proclamation IIIHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: NightmareHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Tarot-GameHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: QuartetHarrison Birtwistle, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Toccata III AHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Melodrama IVHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: Death MarchHarrison Birtwistle, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
Punch and Judy: TriumphHarrison Birtwistle, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Jan DeGaetani, Philip Langridge, Stephen Roberts, David Wilson-Johnson, John Tomlinson, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton