Roxanna Panufnik's "Beastly Tales," released in 2006 under Warner Classics, is a captivating choral album that brings to life the enchanting stories of Vikram Seth. With a runtime of just over an hour, this album is a delightful journey through three tales: "The Crocodile and the Monkey," "The Frog and the Nightingale," and "The Hare and the Tortoise." Each tale is meticulously crafted, featuring a rich tapestry of characters and narratives that are brought to life through the powerful performances of the City of London Sinfonia and other talented vocalists.
The album opens with "The Crocodile and the Monkey," a story set on the Ganga's greenest isle, where Kuroop the crocodile and a mischievous monkey engage in a series of clever and humorous encounters. The choral arrangements and narration create a vivid and engaging atmosphere, drawing the audience into the heart of the tale.
Next, "The Frog and the Nightingale" takes listeners to Bingle Bog, where a frog and a nightingale navigate the complexities of their musical talents and ambitions. The interplay between the frog's croaking and the nightingale's melodious songs is beautifully captured, showcasing Panufnik's ability to blend different vocal styles seamlessly.
The album concludes with "The Hare and the Tortoise," a classic tale of speed and perseverance. The dynamic performances and intricate choral arrangements bring the race between the hare and the tortoise to life, highlighting the moral lessons of the story.
Roxanna Panufnik's "Beastly Tales" is a testament to her skill as a composer, blending traditional and contemporary elements to create a unique and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking for a captivating story, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Beastly Tales, The Crocodile and the Monkey: On the Ganga's greenest isle lived Kuroop the crocodile (Narrator, Monkey, Mr Crocodile)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Crocodile and the Monkey: One day, Mrs Crocodile, gorged on mangoes, with a smile (Narrator, Mrs Crocodile, Mr Crocodile)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Crocodile and the Monkey: When the monkey saw Kuroop he let out a joyful whoop (Narrator, Monkey, Mr Crocodile)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Crocodile and the Monkey: Death by drowning, death by slaughter - death by land or death by water (Monkey, Narrator, Mr Crocodile)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Frog and the Nightingale: Brekek, ko-ash/Once upon a time a frog croaked away in Bingle Bog (Frog, Narrator, Nightingale, Creatures of the Bog)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Frog and the Nightingale: Next night when the nightingale shook her head and twitched her tail (Narrator, Nightingale, Frog)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Frog and the Nightingale: Though next morning it was raining, he began her vocal training (Narrator, Nightingale, Frog)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Frog and the Nightingale: Every day the frog who'd sold her songs for silver tried to scold her (Narrator, Frog, Nightingale)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Hare and the Tortoise: Once or twice upon a time in the land of Runnyrhyme (Narrator, Hare, Mouse, Vole, Tortoise)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Hare and the Tortoise: One day by the Fauna Fountain near the noble Mammal Mountain (Narrator, Hare, Mouse, Tortoise)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Hare and the Tortoise: 'Here!' the hare said: 'Sunday noon'...So, at the appointed time all the beasts of Runnyrhyme (Hare, Narrator, General Public, Reporters, Secretary Bird, Tortoise)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Hare and the Tortoise: Suddenly the dizzy hare saw a field of mushrooms where (Narrator, Hare)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Hare and the Tortoise: Off the hare went, fancy-free. One hour passed, then two, then three (Narrator, Tortoise)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
Beastly Tales, The Hare and the Tortoise: But it was in fact the hare, with a calm insouciant air (Narrator, Pressmen, Will Wolf, Hare, Mole, Mouse)Roxanna Panufnik, Vikram Seth, Patricia Rozario/Yvonne Howard/Roderick Williams/City of London Sinfonia/Sian Edwards, Sian Edwards, City of London Sinfonia
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