Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English song with "Moeran: Complete Solo Songs," a comprehensive collection of solo vocal works by the renowned composer Ernest John Moeran. Released in 2010, this two-disc set on the Chandos label presents a sweeping survey of Moeran's artistry, showcasing his deep connection to English poetry and folklore.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes, this album features a diverse range of pieces, from settings of poems by A.E. Housman and James Joyce to traditional English folksongs and Shakespearean texts. The repertoire is performed by a trio of distinguished vocalists: Geraldine McGreevy, soprano; Adrian Thompson, tenor; and Roderick Williams, baritone, each bringing their unique interpretive skills to Moeran's evocative music.
Moeran, born in 1894, was a composer deeply rooted in the English musical tradition, yet his work also reflects a broader European influence. His songs, composed between the early 1920s and the late 1940s, offer a compelling blend of lyricism, harmony, and textual sensitivity. The pieces in this collection span Moeran's entire career, providing a comprehensive overview of his development as a composer.
The album's tracklist is a journey through the English countryside and literary landscape, with songs that evoke the changing seasons, the beauty of nature, and the complexities of human experience. From the pastoral charm of "Loveliest of trees" to the haunting intensity of "A Dream of Death," these songs reveal Moeran's mastery of the song form and his deep engagement with the poetic texts he set.
"Moeran: Complete Solo Songs" is a treasure trove for lovers of English art song, offering a rare opportunity to explore the complete solo vocal output of one of the most important British composers of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Moeran's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2010 Chandos Records2010 Chandos Records
Tracks
Spring Goeth All in White, R. 8Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
When June is ComeErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Mantle of BlueErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Twilight, R. 7Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: I. When smoke stood up from LudlowErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: II. Farewell to barn and stack and treeErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: III. Say, lad, have you things to do?Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: IV. The lads in their hundredsErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Two Songs: I. The Bean FlowerErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Two Songs: II. Impromptu in MarchErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
In Youth Is Pleasure, R. 41Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Merry Month of May, R. 38Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
A Dream of Death, R. 40Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Come Away, Death, R. 39Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Troll the Bowl, R. 42Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Two Songs from the Repertoire of John Goss: I. Can't You Dance the Polka!Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot, Weybridge Male Voice Choir
Two Songs from the Repertoire of John Goss: II. Mrs Dyer, the Baby FarmerErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot, Weybridge Male Voice Choir
MaltwormsErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot, Weybridge Male Voice Choir
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: I. Strings in the earth and airErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: II. The Merry Green WoodErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: III. Bright capErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: IV. The Pleasant ValleyErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: V. DonnycarneyErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: VI. Rain has fallenErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: VII. Now, O now, in this brown landErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Four Songs from a Shropshire Lad: II. When I came last to LudlowErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Tis time, I think, by Wenlock townErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Far in a western brookland, R. 44Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Loveliest of trees, R. 62Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Oh fair enough are sky and plain, R. 100 (First Version)Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Oh fair enough are sky and plain, R. 100 (Second Version)Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Oh fair enough are sky and plain, R. 100 (Third Version)Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Weep You No More, Sad FountainsErnest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Sweet o' the Year, R. 61Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Day of Palms, R. 18Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Blue-eyed Spring, R. 63Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Rosefrail, R. 52Ernest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
TillyErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Rahoon, R. 93Ernest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: I. Cherry RipeErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: II. Willow SongErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: III. The Constant LoverErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: IV. The Passionate ShepherdErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: I. The Lover and his LassErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: II. Where the bee sucksErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: III. When daisies piedErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: IV. When icicles hang by the wallErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Diaphenia, R. 72Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Rosaline, R. 73Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Monk's FancyErnest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Vinylscout