Dive into the rich tapestry of English art song with Christopher Maltman's exquisite 2003 album, "Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel – Butterworth: A Shropshire Lad." This captivating collection, released under the Hyperion label, seamlessly blends the poignant compositions of Ralph Vaughan Williams and George Butterworth, offering a profound exploration of the human experience through music.
The album opens with Vaughan Williams' "Songs of Travel," a cycle of nine songs that chronicles the journey of a wandering soul, each track a masterclass in emotional nuance and lyrical beauty. Maltman's velvety baritone is perfectly complemented by Roger Vignoles' sensitive piano accompaniment, creating a deeply resonant and intimate atmosphere.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Butterworth's "Six Songs from A Shropshire Lad," a poignant and evocative setting of poems by A.E. Housman. These songs, imbued with a sense of longing and nostalgia, showcase Maltman's exceptional ability to convey the deepest emotions with remarkable clarity and sincerity.
The album also includes a bonus track, "A Broken Arc" by Arthur Somervell, adding an extra layer of depth and variety to this already impressive collection. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a testament to the enduring power of English art song, and a showcase of Christopher Maltman's extraordinary talent. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
A Broken Arc: No. 1, Such a Starved Bank of MossArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 2, Meeting at NightArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 3, My StarArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 4, Nay But You, Who Do Not Love HerArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 5, The Worst of ItArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 6, AfterArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 7, From Easter DayArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
A Broken Arc: No. 8, The Year's at the SpringArthur Somervell, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
DiapheniaWilliam Denis Browne, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Epitaph on Salathiel PavyWilliam Denis Browne, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
To Gratiana Dancing and SingingWilliam Denis Browne, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 1, The VagabondRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 2, Let Beauty AwakeRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 3, The Roadside FireRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 4, Youth and LoveRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 5, In DreamsRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 6, The Infinite Shining HeavensRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 7, Whither Must I Wander?Ralph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 8, Bright Is the Ring of WordsRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Songs of Travel: No. 9, I Have Trod the Upward and the Downward SlopeRalph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Bredon Hill and Other Songs: No. 1, Bredon HillGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Bredon Hill and Other Songs: No. 2, Oh Fair Enough Are Sky and PlainGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Bredon Hill and Other Songs: No. 3, When the Lad for Longing SighsGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Bredon Hill and Other Songs: No. 4, On the Idle Hill of SummerGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
Bredon Hill and Other Songs: No. 5, With Rue My Heart Is LadenGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 1, Loveliest of TreesGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 2, When I Was One-and-TwentyGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 3, Look Not in My EyesGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 4, Think No More, LadGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 5, The Lads in Their HundredsGeorge Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 6, Is My Team Ploughing?George Butterworth, Christopher Maltman, Roger Vignoles
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