Delius: Village Romeo and Juliet

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frederick Delius with this captivating album, featuring his renowned opera "A Village Romeo and Juliet." This recording, released by Naxos in 2004, offers a comprehensive exploration of Delius's fourth opera, a work often hailed as one of his finest compositions. Based on Gottfried Keller's novella "Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe," the opera is presented in its original English libretto, co-written by Delius and his wife Jelka.

The album spans over two hours and twenty-three minutes, providing a rich and immersive experience of Delius's lyrical drama. It includes the complete opera, divided into six evocative scenes, each bringing to life the tragic love story set in the Swiss countryside. In addition to the opera, the album features other notable works by Delius, such as "The Song of the High Hills," "Irmelin: Prelude," and selections from "Hassan" and "Koanga."

Conducted by Klauspeter Seibel, this recording showcases the talents of a stellar cast, including Helen Field, Arthur Davies, Thomas Hampson, Barry Mora, and Stafford Dean. The performances are brought to life by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, delivering a vivid and nuanced interpretation of Delius's score.

This album is a testament to Delius's unique compositional style, blending rich harmonies and evocative melodies to create a deeply moving and atmospheric experience. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Delius's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling introduction to the composer's operatic genius.