Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's choral works with this captivating album, released on May 1, 2005, under the prestigious Naxos label. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Finzi's exquisite compositional prowess and his deep appreciation for poetry, particularly that of Thomas Hardy.
The album is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique exploration of Finzi's musical language. "I Said to Love," Op. 19b, is a cycle of six songs that delves into the complexities of love and longing, with texts drawn from various poets. "Let Us Garlands Bring," Op. 18, is a setting of five poems from Shakespeare's "The Passionate Pilgrim," offering a lighter, more playful contrast to the first cycle. Lastly, "Before and After Summer," Op. 16, is a substantial work comprising ten songs that traverse a wide range of emotions and themes, from the innocence of childhood to the solemnity of war.
Throughout the album, Finzi's signature lyrical melodies and rich harmonies are on full display, demonstrating his ability to evoke profound emotional resonance from even the most subtle of musical gestures. The performances are sensitive and nuanced, with each piece expertly crafted to highlight the unique character of the poetry and the composer's distinctive voice. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Finzi's music or a newcomer eager to explore his works, this album offers a compelling and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 1, I Need Not GoGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 2, At Middle-Field Gate in FebruaryGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 3, Two LipsGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 4, In Five-Score SummersGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 5, For Life I Had Never Cared GreatlyGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 6, I Said to LoveGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 1, Come Away, Come Away, DeathGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 2, Who Is Silvia?Gerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 3, Fear No More the Heat o' the SunGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 4, O Mistress MineGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: No. 5, It Was a Lover and His LassGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 1, Childhood Among the FernsGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 2, Before and After SummerGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 3, The Self-UnseeingGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 4, Overlooking the RiverGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 5, Channel FiringGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 6, In the Mind's EyeGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 7, The Too Short TimeGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 8, EpeisodiaGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 9, AmabelGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Before and After Summer, Op. 16: No. 10, He Abjures LoveGerald Finzi, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
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