Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Thomas Linley Jr.'s "A Lyric Ode on the Fairies, Aerial Beings & Witches of Shakespeare," a captivating exploration of Shakespeare's magical realms, released in 1993. This album, a testament to Linley Jr.'s prodigious talent, was composed in 1776 when he was just 13 years old, showcasing his extraordinary gift and deep understanding of Shakespeare's works. The ode, set to a text by French Lawrence, was written amidst the fervor of "bardolatry" sparked by the 1769 Shakespeare Jubilee.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including sopranos Joanne Lunn, Helen Parker, and Julia Gooding, baritone Roderick Williams, and tenor Andrew King, accompanied by the renowned Parley of Instruments Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Paul Nicholson. The ensemble brings to life the whimsical and eerie spirits that populate Shakespeare's plays, from the mischievous fairies of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to the malevolent witches of "Macbeth."
Spanning over an hour, the album is a journey through Linley Jr.'s vivid musical interpretations of Shakespeare's supernatural characters. The ode is structured in two parts, each containing a mix of recitatives, arias, and choruses that paint a vivid sonic landscape. The overture sets the stage with its dramatic Andante and lively Allegro, while the minuet offers a moment of respite before the enchanting journey begins.
Throughout the album, Linley Jr.'s music masterfully captures the essence of Shakespeare's characters, from the playful and lighthearted to the dark and foreboding. The album is a delight for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and classical music lovers, offering a unique blend of literary and musical artistry. The 1993 release, recorded by Hyperion, is a faithful representation of Linley Jr.'s original vision, allowing modern audiences to experience the magic of his composition.
Tracks
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare: Overture: a. Andante – AllegroThomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare: Overture: b. MinuettoThomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 1, Chorus. O Guardian of That Sacred LandThomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 2, Recit. 'Tis Thine Alone (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, Julia Gooding, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 3, Air. Come Then, O Fancy, Bend Thy Bow (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 4, Recit. At Shakespeare's Happy Birth (Fancy)Thomas Linley Jr., Lorna Anderson, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 5, Air. And Now Is Come the Fated Hour (Fancy)Thomas Linley Jr., Lorna Anderson, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 6, Chorus. Be Shakespeare Born!Thomas Linley Jr., The Parley of Instruments, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments Choir
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 7, Recit. So Spake the God (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 8, Air. There in Old Arden's Inmost Shade (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 9, Recit. And as Before His Purged Eyes (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 10, Air. Thy Hand His Youthful Footsteps Led (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 11, Air. Some Drive the Clam'rous Owl Away (Fancy)Thomas Linley Jr., Lorna Anderson, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 1: No. 12, Chorus. Some Drive the Clam'rous Owl AwayThomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 1, Recit. But Oh! What Sudden Gloom (Fearful Observer)Thomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, Richard Wistreich, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 2, Chorus. By the Pale Light of Yon Blue FireThomas Linley Jr., The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir, Paul Nicholson
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 3, Recit. See, Through the Glimmering Darkness of the Cave (Fearful Observer)Thomas Linley Jr., Richard Wistreich, The Parley of Instruments, Paul Nicholson
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 4, Chorus. What Howling Whirlwinds Rend the Sky!Thomas Linley Jr., The Parley of Instruments, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments Choir
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 5, Recit. For Whom, at Yonder Livid Flame (Fearful Observer)Thomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, Richard Wistreich, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 6, Air. Whither Ye Beldames Do Ye Roam? (Fearful Observer)Thomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, Richard Wistreich, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 7, Air & Chorus. The Tempests Cease (Spirit of Avon & Chorus)Thomas Linley Jr., The Parley of Instruments, Paul Nicholson, Julia Gooding, The Parley of Instruments Choir
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 8, Recit. No More the Elves, with Printless Pace (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 9, Air. Ariel, Who Sees Thee Now? (Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 10, Recit. No More Shalt Thou upon the Sharp North Run (Fancy)Thomas Linley Jr., Lorna Anderson, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 11, Duet. For Who Can Wield Like Shakespeare's Skilful Hand? (Fancy & Spirit of Avon)Thomas Linley Jr., Julia Gooding, Lorna Anderson, Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments
A Lyric Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare, Pt. 2: No. 12, Chorus. Yet, Fancy, Once Again on Britain SmileThomas Linley Jr., Paul Nicholson, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
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