Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frederick Delius with his captivating album "Delius: A Village Romeo and Juliet & Songs of Sunset." This remarkable collection, released on February 1, 2014, under the esteemed SOMM Recordings label, offers a profound exploration of Delius' musical genius.
The album is a two-part journey, beginning with "A Village Romeo and Juliet," a sweeping orchestral work that tells a timeless tale of love and tragedy. Divided into six scenes, this composition is a masterclass in storytelling through music, with each movement painting vivid images and evoking deep emotions. From the serene beauty of "A piece of land on a hill" to the dramatic intensity of "The Paradise Garden," Delius' score is a testament to his ability to convey complex narratives and feelings through his music.
The second half of the album features "Songs of Sunset," a collection of eight songs that delve into themes of love, loss, and longing. Sung by a mezzo-soprano and a baritone, with the support of a chorus, these songs are a beautiful blend of lyrical poetry and haunting melodies. Each song, from the poignant "A song of the setting sun!" to the reflective "They are not long, the weeping and the laughter," offers a unique emotional landscape, showcasing Delius' ability to capture the essence of human experience in his music.
With a total runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Delius or a newcomer to his work, "Delius: A Village Romeo and Juliet & Songs of Sunset" is a compelling exploration of one of the most distinctive voices in classical music.
Tracks
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 1: A piece of land on a hillFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 2: Outside Marti's house. LentoFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 3: The Wildland. Poco menoFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 4: Interior of Marti's house, Pt. IFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 4: Interior of Marti's house, The Dream of Sali and VrenchenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 5: The FairFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 5: The Fair, The Walk to the Paradise GardenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 6: The Paradise GardenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 1, A song of the setting sun! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 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 Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 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, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 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, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 8, They are not long, the weeping and the laughter (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
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