Gerald Finzi's "Finzi: Dies natalis & Intimations of Immortality" is a captivating collection of two of his most distinctive works, released under the Hyperion label in 1996. This album is a testament to Finzi's ability to blend poetic prose and verse with evocative music, creating a deeply moving and philosophical experience.
The album begins with "Dies natalis," a setting of prose and verse by the seventeenth-century metaphysical poet Thomas Traherne. This piece is a profound meditation on life, death, and the human condition, showcasing Finzi's skill in translating complex emotions into music. The work is divided into five movements, each offering a unique perspective on the themes at hand.
The second half of the album is dedicated to "Intimations of Immortality," a choral work based on William Wordsworth's poem of the same name. This piece is a journey through the stages of life, from childhood to old age, exploring the themes of memory, loss, and the enduring power of nature. The work is composed of thirteen movements, each offering a different facet of Wordsworth's profound poem.
The album features the Corydon Orchestra and the Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best. Their performances bring Finzi's music to life, capturing the depth and nuance of his compositions. The album's duration is 1 hour and 6 minutes, providing a substantial and immersive listening experience.
Gerald Finzi's "Finzi: Dies natalis & Intimations of Immortality" is a poignant and deeply poetic work that touches on universal themes, making it a timeless addition to any classical music collection.
Dies natalis, Op. 8: I. IntradaGerald Finzi, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra
Dies natalis, Op. 8: II. Rhapsody. Recitativo stromentatoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: III. The Rapture. DanzaGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: IV. Wonder. AriosoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Dies natalis, Op. 8: V. The Salutation. AriaGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: I. Andante sostenutoGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: II. There Was a Time When Meadow, Grove, and StreamGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: III. The Rainbow Comes and GoesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Corydon Orchestra, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: IV. Now, While the Birds Thus Sing a Joyous SongGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: V. Ye Blessèd Creatures, I Have Heard the CallGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VI. Oh Evil Day! If I Were SullenGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VII. – But There's a Tree, of Many, OneGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best, John Mark Ainsley
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: VIII. Our Birth Is But a-Sleep and a-ForgettingGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: IX. Earth Fills Her Lap with Pleasures of Her OwnGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: X. O Joy! That in Our EmbersGerald Finzi, Corydon Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XI. But for Those First AffectionsGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra, Corydon Singers
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XII. Then Sing, Ye Birds, Sing, Sing a Joyous Song!Gerald Finzi, Matthew Best, Corydon Singers, Corydon Orchestra
Intimations of Immortality, Op. 29: XIII. And O, Ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and GrovesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best, Corydon Orchestra
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