Gerald Finzi's "Finzi: Dies natalis & Intimations of Immortality" is a captivating exploration of the human spirit and the natural world, released on October 1, 1996, under the Hyperion label. This album is a testament to Finzi's mastery of composition, blending intricate orchestration with deeply evocative melodies.
The album is divided into two main works. "Dies natalis, Op. 8" is a five-movement piece that begins with a stirring Intrada and culminates in a reflective Arioso. It's a journey through various moods and textures, showcasing Finzi's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through music.
The second part of the album, "Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29," is a thirteen-movement work inspired by William Wordsworth's poem of the same name. This section is a musical exploration of the poem's themes of childhood, nature, and the passage of time. Each movement is a distinct musical landscape, from the serene "Andante sostenuto" to the exuberant "Then Sing, Ye Birds, Sing a Joyous Song!"
With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen. Finzi's compositions are brought to life by the Hyperion label, known for its high-quality recordings and attention to detail. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience.
Tracks
Dies natalis, Op. 8: I. IntradaGerald Finzi, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra
Dies natalis, Op. 8: II. Rhapsody. Recitativo stromentatoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: III. The Rapture. DanzaGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: IV. Wonder. AriosoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: V. The Salutation. AriaGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: I. Andante sostenutoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: II. There Was a Time When Meadow, Grove, and StreamGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: III. The Rainbow Comes and GoesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Corydon Orchestra, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: IV. Now, While the Birds Thus Sing a Joyous SongGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: V. Ye Blessèd Creatures, I Have Heard the CallGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VI. Oh Evil Day! If I Were SullenGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VII. β But There's a Tree, of Many, OneGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best, John Mark Ainsley
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VIII. Our Birth Is But a-Sleep and a-ForgettingGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: IX. Earth Fills Her Lap with Pleasures of Her OwnGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: X. O Joy! That in Our EmbersGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XI. But for Those First AffectionsGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XII. Then Sing, Ye Birds, Sing, Sing a Joyous Song!Gerald Finzi, Matthew Best, Corydon Singers, Corydon Orchestra
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XIII. And O, Ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and GrovesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra
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