Songs from Our Ancestors

Ian Bostridge, the renowned British tenor, presents "Songs from Our Ancestors," a captivating exploration of classical and choral music released on September 9, 2016, under the Globe Music label. This album is a testament to Bostridge's versatility and artistry, spanning a diverse range of compositions that delve into the depths of human emotion and historical resonance.

The album opens with a selection from the "Book of Songs," featuring traditional Chinese poetry set to music, showcasing Bostridge's ability to navigate different linguistic and cultural landscapes. The program then transitions to the works of John Dowland, a prominent English composer from the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, with pieces like "Come again, sweet love doth now invite" and "Flow, my tears, fall from your springs."

Bostridge's collaboration with guitarist Xuefei Yang is highlighted in several tracks, including arrangements of works by John Dowland and traditional Chinese pieces like "Drunken Ecstasy" and "Flowing Water." The album also features arrangements of songs by Franz Schubert, such as "Ständchen" from "Schwanengesang" and "An die Musik," demonstrating Bostridge's affinity for the Romantic repertoire.

The program concludes with a selection of songs from "Letters from Composers," where Bostridge sets to music letters written by famous composers like Franz Schubert and Frederic Chopin. This unique approach adds a personal and historical dimension to the album, offering listeners a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of these musical giants.

With a duration of one hour and eight minutes, "Songs from Our Ancestors" is a rich and varied journey through the classical and choral genres. Ian Bostridge's impeccable technique and profound interpretive skills shine throughout, making this album a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.