Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Harrison Birtwistle's "The Woman And The Hare," a remarkable album released on January 1, 2002, under the Decca (UMO) label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to Birtwistle's extraordinary compositional prowess and his ability to blend various musical elements into a cohesive and enthralling experience.
The album opens with the evocative title track, "The Woman and the Hare," followed by a series of nine settings of Lorine Niedecker's poetry for soprano and cello. These settings, each with its own unique character, showcase Birtwistle's sensitivity to text and his skill in creating evocative musical landscapes. The soprano and cello duo brings a sense of intimacy and depth to these pieces, making them a highlight of the album.
The second half of the album features "Duets for Storab," a collection of six pieces that explore a range of moods and textures. From the lively "Vurlar" to the contemplative "White Pastoral," these duets offer a glimpse into Birtwistle's versatility and his ability to craft compelling musical narratives.
The album concludes with "An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton)" for oboe and piano, a poignant tribute to the late oboist Janet Craxton. This three-movement work is a beautiful example of Birtwistle's ability to convey deep emotion through music.
"Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments" rounds out the album, offering a series of short, evocative pieces that draw inspiration from the ancient Greek poet Sappho. These fragments, interspersed with entr'actes, create a sense of continuity and flow, making them a fitting conclusion to this remarkable album.
Harrison Birtwistle's "The Woman And The Hare" is a journey through the composer's rich musical landscape, offering a diverse range of pieces that showcase his unique voice and his ability to create compelling, engaging music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Birtwistle's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
The Woman and the HareHarrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Claron McFadden, Julia Watson, Martyn Brabbins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 1. There's a better shine on the pendulumHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 2. My friend tree I sawed you downHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 3. Along the river wild sunflowersHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 4. Hear where her snow-grave isHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 5. How white the gullsHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 6. My life by waterHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 7. PaulHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 8. O late fall marshHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Nine Settings of Lorine Niedecker for soprano and cello: 9. For Amelia - Sleep's dreamHarrison Birtwistle, Claron McFadden, Paul Watkins
Duets for Storab: 1: VurlarHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 2: Stark PastoralHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 3: Fanfare with BirdsHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 4: White PastoralHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 5: From the Church of LiesHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
Duets for Storab: 6: CrunluathHarrison Birtwistle, Philippa Davies, Helen Keen
An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton) for oboe and piano: 1Harrison Birtwistle, Gareth Hulse, Ian Brown
An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton) for oboe and piano: 2Harrison Birtwistle, Gareth Hulse, Ian Brown
An Interrupted Endless Melody (To the Memory of Janet Craxton) for oboe and piano: 3Harrison Birtwistle, Gareth Hulse, Ian Brown
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 1Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 2Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 3Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 4Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
Entr'actes and Sappho Fragments: 5Harrison Birtwistle, Nash Ensemble, Martyn Brabbins
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