Immerse yourself in the evocative sounds of Frederick Delius with this captivating collection of his works, featuring the opera "A Village Romeo and Juliet" and the choral masterpiece "Songs of Sunset." Delius, a prominent figure in the English Romantic music tradition, offers a unique blend of lush harmonies and vivid orchestration that transports the listener to the heart of his compositions.
"A Village Romeo and Juliet," Delius's fourth opera, is a poignant retelling of Gottfried Keller's short story "Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe." The opera, composed with a libretto co-written by Delius and his wife Jelka, premiered in 1907 and has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire. This recording, conducted with meticulous attention to detail, brings to life the drama and passion of the original stage production.
"Songs of Sunset" is a series of eight songs that explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The works, which feature a mezzo-soprano, baritone, and chorus, are set to poetry by Ernest Dowson and Arthur Symons. Delius's richly textured orchestration and sensitive handling of the vocal lines create a deeply moving musical experience.
This album, released by SOMM Recordings, features over two hours of newly remastered recordings, providing a fresh perspective on Delius's timeless compositions. The performances, conducted by renowned maestros, capture the essence of Delius's unique musical language, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
2014 SOMM Recordings2014 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 1: A piece of land on a hillFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 2: Outside Marti's house. LentoFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 3: The Wildland. Poco menoFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 4: Interior of Marti's house, Pt. IFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 4: Interior of Marti's house, The Dream of Sali and VrenchenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 5: The FairFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 5: The Fair, The Walk to the Paradise GardenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
A Village Romeo and Juliet, Scene 6: The Paradise GardenFrederick Delius, Fabian Smith, Frederick Sharp, Rene Soames, Vera Terry, Gordon Clinton, Sybil Hambleton, BBC Chorus, Herbert Dawson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 1, A song of the setting sun! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 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 Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 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, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, 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, Roy Henderson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Songs of Sunset: No. 8, They are not long, the weeping and the laughter (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Chorus)Frederick Delius, Olga Haley, Roy Henderson, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
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