Immerse yourself in the captivating world of choral and operatic mastery with John Mark Ainsley's stunning album, "Sir Michael Tippett: Remember Your Lovers." Released on September 5, 2005, under Signum Records, this album is a testament to Ainsley's extraordinary vocal prowess and the timeless compositions of Sir Michael Tippett. Spanning a little over an hour and twelve minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of 20 tracks, each a masterpiece in its own right.
The album opens with "The Heart's Assurance," a multi-part suite that showcases Ainsley's ability to convey a range of emotions, from songful assurance to profound compassion. The title track, "Remember Your Lovers," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that lingers in the mind long after the last note fades. Shakespearean influences are evident in tracks like "If music be the food of Love" and the "Songs for Ariel" suite, where Ainsley's voice soars and dances with ethereal grace.
Ainsley's interpretation of "An Epithalamium (A Wedding Song)" is particularly noteworthy, capturing the joy and reverence of the occasion with exquisite nuance. The album also includes moving renditions of hymns and spiritual pieces, such as "A Hymn to God the Father" and "Ah! How Sweet it is to Love," which highlight Ainsley's ability to infuse each note with deep emotional resonance.
Throughout the album, Ainsley's voice is a constant source of wonder, whether he is delivering the playful whimsy of "Boyhood's End" or the heart-wrenching sorrow of "Twas within a furlong of Edinburgh Town." His performance is a masterclass in vocal control and expressive storytelling, making this album a must-listen for fans of choral and operatic music.
