Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frederick Delius with this captivating album, released on February 1, 2014, by SOMM Recordings. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Delius' masterful compositional prowess, blending orchestral and vocal pieces that are as evocative as they are diverse.
The album opens with the stirring "A Mass of Life, Pt. II: Prelude," setting the stage for a journey through Delius' musical landscape. The centerpiece of the collection is the "Songs of Sunset," a series of eight songs that explore themes of longing, sorrow, and reflection. Featuring the hauntingly beautiful voices of a Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, and Chorus, these pieces are a testament to Delius' ability to convey deep emotion through music.
Beyond the "Songs of Sunset," the album offers a delightful array of shorter works, including the whimsical "An Arabesque," the tender "Viol (The Violet)" in two parts, and a selection of Norwegian and Danish songs that highlight Delius' affinity for folk melodies. Each piece is a gem in its own right, showcasing Delius' unique voice and his ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive whole.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Delius or a newcomer to his music, this album is a treasure trove of beautiful melodies and rich harmonies. It's a perfect introduction to the composer's work, offering a broad overview of his style and range. So, sit back, relax, and let the music of Frederick Delius transport you to a world of sound and beauty.
Tracks
A Mass of Life, Pt. II: PreludeFrederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
An ArabesqueFrederick Delius, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 1, A song of the setting sun! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Select Choir, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 2, Cease smiling, Dear! A little while be sad (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 3, Pale amber sunlight fails (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Select Choir, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 4, Exceeding sorrow consumeth my sad heart! (Mezzo-Soprano)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 5, By the sad waters of separation (Baritone)Frederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roy Henderson, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 6, See how the trees and osiers lithe (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 7, I was not sorrowful, I could not weep (Baritone)Frederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roy Henderson, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 8, They are not long, the weeping and the laughter (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Nancy Evans, Redvers Llewellyn, BBC Chorus, Sir Thomas Beecham
AutumnFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Viol (The Violet) [1]Frederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
I-BrasilFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Norwegian Songs: No. 4, Sweet VenevilFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
2 Songs: No. 2, Le ciel est, par-dessus le toitFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
Viol (The Violet) [2]Frederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Danish Songs: No. 5, Irmelin RoseFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Norwegian Songs: No. 3, Evening VoicesFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Norwegian Songs: No. 1, Cradle SongFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
5 Songs from the Norwegian: No. 2, The NightingaleFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
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