Grainger: Jungle Book & Other Choral Works

Percy Grainger's "Jungle Book & Other Choral Works" is a captivating journey through the vivid landscapes of Rudyard Kipling's poetry, brought to life through Grainger's unique compositional voice. This 1996 release on the Hyperion label features the world premiere recording of Grainger's "Jungle Book" cycle, a collection of eleven contrasting movements that vividly depict the sentiments and scenes from Kipling's beloved tales. The album spans a rich hour and thirteen minutes, showcasing Grainger's mastery of choral textures and his deep connection to nature and folk music.

The album opens with the enchanting "Shallow Brown" and delves into the lush, evocative settings of "The Jungle Book" cycle, each movement painting a distinct picture from the jungle to the hunt, from the tiger's prowl to the pack's song. Beyond the "Jungle Book" cycle, the album offers a variety of choral works that highlight Grainger's innovative arrangements and settings, including beloved folk songs and original compositions.

Recorded in January 1996 at St Jude-on-the-Hill in London, the album benefits from first-class performances under the baton of conductor Stephen Layton. The detailed booklet includes comprehensive notes and lyrics, providing valuable context and insight into Grainger's creative process and the historical background of the works. Whether you're a fan of Percy Grainger's music or a newcomer to his choral works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Percy Grainger, born in Australia in 1882, was a pioneering composer, arranger, and pianist whose innovative spirit left an indelible mark on the world of music. After studying in Frankfurt, Grainger embarked on a successful concert career in England before moving to the United States in 1914, where he became a naturalized citizen. He is renowned for his role in the early 20th-century revival of British folk music, collecting and arranging numerous folk songs that celebrated the cultural heritage of the British Isles.

Grainger's compositions often pushed the boundaries of conventional music, exploring a wide spectrum of styles from medieval polyphony to early electronic music. He was an inventor at heart, creating "free music" machines that allowed him to experiment with new sounds and textures. His extensive body of work includes around ninety solo piano pieces, many of which are transcriptions of his orchestral and instrumental compositions.

While Grainger's experimental works are notable, he is perhaps best known for his piano arrangement of the folk-dance tune "Country Gardens." Beyond his musical achievements, Grainger was a champion of Nordic culture and a lifelong eccentric, known for his unique personality and unconventional lifestyle. His legacy endures through his compositions, arrangements, and the Grainger Museum in Melbourne, which preserves his life and work for future generations to explore and appreciate.