Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of Frederick Delius with this captivating album, "Delius: A Village Romeo and Juliet & Songs of Sunset." This double album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, featuring two of Delius's most renowned works, expertly conducted by the legendary Sir Thomas Beecham.
"A Village Romeo and Juliet" is Delius's fourth opera, a lyrical drama in six scenes based on the short story "Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe" by Swiss author Gottfried Keller. The opera, with its English-language libretto penned by Delius and his wife Jelka, premiered in 1907 and has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire. This recording, with its vivid orchestration and powerful vocal performances, brings the rural tragedy to life, capturing the essence of Delius's unique musical language.
Complementing the opera is "Songs of Sunset," a collection of eight songs that explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The songs, with their lush harmonies and evocative texts, showcase Delius's mastery of the song form and his ability to convey deep human emotions through music. The performances, featuring a talented ensemble of singers and the Beecham Choral Society, are nothing short of breathtaking.
The album, released by SOMM Recordings in 2014, spans over two hours and twenty-two minutes, providing ample time to lose yourself in Delius's enchanting sound world. The high-quality recording and meticulous attention to detail make this album a standout in the Delius discography, offering both seasoned Delius fans and newcomers alike an unforgettable listening experience.
Tracks
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 1: A piece of land on a hillFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 2: Outside Marti's house. LentoFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 3: The Wildland. Poco menoFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 4: Interior of Marti's house, Pt. IFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 4: Interior of Marti's house, The Dream of Sali and VrenchenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 5: The FairFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 5: The Fair, The Walk to the Paradise GardenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 6: The Paradise GardenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 1, A song of the setting sun! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 2, Cease smiling, Dear! A little while be sad (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 3, Pale amber sunlight fails (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 4, Exceeding sorrow consumeth my sad heart! (Mezzo-Soprano)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 5, By the sad waters of separation (Baritone)Frederick Delius, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 6, See how the trees and osiers lithe (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 7, I was not sorrowful, I could not weep (Baritone)Frederick Delius, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 8, They are not long, the weeping and the laughter (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
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