delius: sea drift, songs of farewell & songs of sunset - frederick delius
Delius: Sea Drift, Songs of Farewell & Songs of Sunset
Frederick Delius
1993
14 tracks
1 uur, 17 min
Album Description
Immerse yourself in the evocative world of Frederick Delius with this captivating album, featuring three of his most profound choral works: "Sea Drift," "Songs of Farewell," and "Songs of Sunset." Recorded in 1993, this collection showcases Delius at the height of his creative powers, offering a poignant exploration of life, loss, and the fleeting nature of existence.
"Sea Drift," composed between 1903 and 1904, is a hauntingly beautiful setting of Walt Whitman's poetry, delving into themes of love, loss, and resignation. The work's evocative use of the sea as a metaphor for life's ebb and flow is masterfully brought to life by the Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, and members of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.
"Songs of Sunset," created between 1906 and 1908, reflects on the brevity of life and the inevitable passage of time. Originally titled "Songs of Twilight and Sadness," this cycle of songs captures the essence of Delius's mature style, with its languid melodies and rich harmonies.
"Songs of Farewell," composed near the end of Delius's life in 1930, is a deeply personal and introspective work. Written while Delius was blind and crippled, these songs serve as a poignant farewell to life, offering a sense of acceptance and resignation in the face of mortality.
Under the skilled direction of conductor Richard Hickox, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and soloists Sally Burgess (mezzo-soprano) and Bryn Terfel (baritone) deliver powerful and nuanced performances, bringing Delius's evocative music to life. This album is a testament to Delius's enduring genius and his unique ability to capture the essence of human experience in his music.
Songs of Farewell: I. How sweet the silent backward tracings! (Double Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Farewell: II. I stand as on some mighty eagle's beak (Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Farewell: III.Passage to you! O secret of the earth and sky! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Farewell: IV. Joy, shipmate, joy! (Double Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Farewell: V. Now finalè to the shore (Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: I. A song of the setting sun! (Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: II. Cease smiling, Dear! a little while be sad (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Sally Burgess, Bryn Terfel
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: III. Pale amber sunlight falls (Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: IV. Exceeding sorrow consumeth my sad heart! (Mezzo-Soprano)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Sally Burgess
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: V. By the sad waters of separation (Baritone)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Bryn Terfel
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: VI. See how the trees and the osiers lithe (Chorus)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: VII. I was not sorrowful, I could not weep (Baritone)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Bryn Terfel
Songs of Sunset, RT II/5: VIII. They are not long, the weeping and the laughter (Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone)Frederick Delius, Richard Hickox, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Sally Burgess, Bryn Terfel
Frederick Delius, born into a wealthy mercantile family in Bradford, England, was a composer who defied conventional paths. Rather than following his family's wishes to enter the world of commerce, Delius pursued his passion for music. In 1884, he was sent to Florida to manage an orange plantation, but his heart was not in the business. Instead, he immersed himself in the local music and culture, which significantly influenced his compositions. Returning to Europe in 1886, Delius dedicated himself to his true calling, creating a body of work that reflects his unique experiences and artistic vision.
Vinylscout
Frederick Delius
