Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2006. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Finzi's remarkable ability to blend poetry and music, creating a tapestry of sound that is both evocative and deeply moving.
The album opens with "Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15," a cycle of nine songs that draw inspiration from the poetry of Thomas Hardy. Each piece is a gem in its own right, from the lively "Summer Schemes" to the hauntingly beautiful "In a Churchyard." Finzi's mastery of choral writing is evident in every note, as he skillfully weaves together the voices to create a rich, immersive sound.
Following this is "To a Poet, Op. 13a," a set of six songs that pay homage to the enduring power of poetry. The title track, "To a Poet a Thousand Years Hence," is a standout, its soaring melodies and poetic text a testament to Finzi's genius. The cycle concludes with "Ode on the Rejection of St. Cecilia," a humorous and lighthearted piece that provides a delightful contrast to the more serious works that precede it.
The album concludes with "By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2," a cycle of six songs that explore the beauty of the English countryside. From the pastoral charm of "Paying Calls" to the haunting melancholy of "The Oxen," these songs are a celebration of nature and the simple pleasures of life.
Throughout the album, Finzi's deep love for poetry and his profound understanding of the human voice shine through. His music is at once accessible and profound, offering something for everyone, from the casual listener to the most discerning connoisseur. Whether you're a longtime fan of Finzi's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 1, Summer SchemesGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 2, When I Set Out for LyonesseGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 3, Waiting BothGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 4, The PhantomGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 5, So I Have FaredGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 6, Rollicum-RorumGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 7, To Lizbie BrowneGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 8, The Clock of the YearsGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 9, In a ChurchyardGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 10, Proud SongstersGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
To a Poet, Op. 13a: No. 1, To a Poet a Thousand Years HenceGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
To a Poet, Op. 13a: No. 2, On Parent KneesGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
To a Poet, Op. 13a: No. 3, IntradaGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
To a Poet, Op. 13a: No. 4, The BirthnightGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
To a Poet, Op. 13a: No. 5, June on Castle HillGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
To a Poet, Op. 13a: No. 6, Ode on the Rejection of St. CeciliaGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2: No. 1, Paying CallsGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Sacconi Quartet
By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2: No. 2, Where the Picnic WasGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Sacconi Quartet
By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2: No. 3, The OxenGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Sacconi Quartet
By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2: No. 4, The Master and the LeavesGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Sacconi Quartet
By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2: No. 5, Voices from Things Growing in a ChurchyardGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Sacconi Quartet
By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2: No. 6, Exeunt OmnesGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Sacconi Quartet
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