Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frederick Delius with this captivating collection, released on February 1, 2014, by SOMM Recordings. Spanning a rich 71 minutes, this album showcases Delius's unique compositional voice, blending orchestral grandeur with intimate vocal performances. The centerpiece is the evocative "A Mass of Life, Pt. II: Prelude," a work that, though never performed in Delius's lifetime, offers a profound glimpse into his musical vision. Accompanying it are the delicate "An Arabesque" and the poignant "Songs of Sunset," a cycle of eight songs that explore themes of longing, loss, and the fleeting nature of joy.
The album also features a selection of Delius's songs, including "Viol (The Violet)" and "Irmelin Rose," which highlight his gift for setting poetry to music. These works, along with others like "Evening Voices" and "The Nightingale," demonstrate Delius's ability to capture the essence of nature and the human experience in his music. Conducted with sensitivity and skill, this recording is a testament to Delius's enduring appeal and his significant contribution to the romantic repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned Delius enthusiast or a newcomer to his music, this album promises a rewarding listening experience.
2014 SOMM Recordings2014 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
A Mass of Life, Pt. II: PreludeFrederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
An ArabesqueFrederick Delius, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 1, A song of the setting sun! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Select Choir, 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 Philharmonic Orchestra, London Select Choir, 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, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roy Henderson, 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, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roy Henderson, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 8, They are not long, the weeping and the laughter (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Nancy Evans, Redvers Llewellyn, BBC Chorus, Sir Thomas Beecham
AutumnFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Viol (The Violet) [1]Frederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
I-BrasilFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Norwegian Songs: No. 4, Sweet VenevilFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
2 Songs: No. 2, Le ciel est, par-dessus le toitFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
Viol (The Violet) [2]Frederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Danish Songs: No. 5, Irmelin RoseFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Norwegian Songs: No. 3, Evening VoicesFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
7 Norwegian Songs: No. 1, Cradle SongFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
5 Songs from the Norwegian: No. 2, The NightingaleFrederick Delius, Dora Labbette, Sir Thomas Beecham
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