Benjamin Luxon Sings Quilter Songs

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of English art song with "Benjamin Luxon Sings Quilter Songs," a captivating collection of 31 songs by the renowned English composer Roger Quilter. Released on September 1, 1989, this album is a testament to the enduring beauty of Quilter's music, performed with exquisite sensitivity by the distinguished baritone Benjamin Luxon, accompanied by the skilled pianist David Willison.

Spanning a duration of one hour and five minutes, the album showcases Quilter's mastery of song composition, with each piece a delicate interplay of poetry and music. The tracklist is a journey through Quilter's opus, featuring beloved works such as "Three Songs, Op. 3," "Three Shakespeare Songs, Op. 6," and "To Julia, Op. 8," among others. Each song is a gem, crafted with Quilter's signature melodic elegance and harmonic richness.

Quilter's songs are known for their distinctive style, often described as having a unique "fingerprint" that is instantly recognizable. This album offers a comprehensive exploration of that style, from the tender intimacy of "At Close of Day" to the playful charm of "To Daisies." Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of English art song or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a delightful introduction to the enchanting world of Roger Quilter's music, brought to life by the artistry of Benjamin Luxon and David Willison.

1 sep 1989

1989 Chandos Records

About Roger Quilter

Roger Quilter (1877-1953) was a distinguished British composer renowned for his exquisite art songs, which have become a cornerstone of the English vocal repertoire. Born into a wealthy family in Hove, Quilter's musical journey began at Eton and continued at Dr Hoch's Konservatorium in Frankfurt, where he studied alongside notable contemporaries. His compositions, over a hundred in number, often set music to texts by literary greats such as William Shakespeare, Robert Herrick, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, showcasing his deep appreciation for poetry and his gift for melody. Quilter's works, characterised by their elegance and impressionistic piano accompaniments, are essential for any classical singer's repertoire. Beyond his art songs, Quilter also contributed to the world of choral, instrumental, and stage works, with notable pieces including his Children’s Overture and the light opera 'Where the Rainbow Ends'. His legacy endures as a testament to his refined musical style and enduring influence on English art song.