Dive into the intricate and captivating world of Harrison Birtwistle with his compelling album "The Woman and the Hare." Released in 2002 under the Decca label, this album is a testament to Birtwistle's mastery of composition, spanning a rich duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes. The album features a diverse array of works, including the titular piece "The Woman and the Hare," which is a mesmerizing exploration of text shared between a soprano and a female reciter, each moving at their own musical pace. This creates a unique layer of ambiguity and depth, inviting the listener to engage with the perennial cycles depicted in the poem.
The album also showcases "Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker," a series of intimate duets for soprano and cello that bring to life the poetry of Lorine Niedecker. Each setting offers a distinct musical landscape, from the reflective "There's a better shine on the pendulum" to the evocative "O late fall marsh." Additionally, the album includes "Duets for Storab," a collection of pastoral and bird-inspired pieces that highlight Birtwistle's ability to blend natural elements with sophisticated musical structures. "An Interrupted Endless Melody" and "Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments" further enrich the album with their complex compositions, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and themes.
Performed by the esteemed Nash Ensemble, with notable contributions from Claron McFadden, Julia Watson, and Martyn Brabbins, this album is a celebration of Birtwistle's innovative approach to music. Whether you are a seasoned fan of classical music or a curious explorer of contemporary compositions, "The Woman and the Hare" promises an enriching and thought-provoking experience.
Tracks
The Woman and the HareHarrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Claron McFadden, Julia Watson, Martyn Brabbins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 1. There's a better shine on the pendulumHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 2. My friend tree I sawed you downHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 3. Along the river wild sunflowersHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 4. Hear where her snow-grave isHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 5. How white the gullsHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 6. My life by waterHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 7. PaulHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 8. O late fall marshHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 9. For Amelia - Sleep's dreamHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Duets for Storab: 1: VurlarHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 2: Stark PastoralHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 3: Fanfare with BirdsHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 4: White PastoralHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 5: From the Church of LiesHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 6: CrunluathHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton) for oboe and piano: 1Harrison Birtwistle, Gareth Hulse, Ian Brown
An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton) for oboe and piano: 2Harrison Birtwistle, Gareth Hulse, Ian Brown
An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton) for oboe and piano: 3Harrison Birtwistle, Gareth Hulse, Ian Brown
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 1Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 2Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 3Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 4Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 5Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
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