Alec Roth: Sometime I Sing

"Sometime I Sing" is a captivating collection of chamber works for tenor and guitar, showcasing the exquisite collaboration between Grammy award-winning tenor Mark Padmore and Mexican guitarist Morgan Szymanski. Composed by the versatile UK-based composer Alec Roth, this album is a lyrical journey through time, featuring settings of texts by renowned poets such as Thomas Wyatt, Vikram Seth, John Donne, and Edward Thomas.

The album opens with "My Lute and I," a cycle of nine songs that beautifully sets poems by the Elizabethan poet and diplomat, Thomas Wyatt. Each song in this cycle is a testament to Roth's skill in crafting melodies that perfectly complement Padmore's voice, creating a harmonious blend with Szymanski's guitar accompaniment. The album also includes a variety of other works, such as "Invocation," "Dark Night," and "Three Night Songs," each offering a unique blend of poetic text and musical composition.

In addition to these original works, the album features a selection of English folk songs, including "Scarborough Fair" and "The Turtle Dove," arranged by Roth for tenor and guitar. These arrangements provide a delightful contrast to the more contemporary pieces, showcasing the versatility of both the performers and the composer.

With a duration of just over an hour, "Sometime I Sing" is a rich and varied album that highlights the beauty of the human voice and the guitar. Whether you're a fan of classical music, folk music, or simply appreciate beautiful music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The album was released on April 29, 2013, under the Signum Records label.