Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of English art song with Roger Quilter's "Quilter: Songs," a captivating collection of 55 songs that showcase the composer's deep affinity for the pastoral and romantic spirit of late Victorian and Edwardian England. Released on Naxos in 2003, this album spans a little over an hour, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences that highlight Quilter's mastery of lyrical vocal writing.
Quilter, primarily known for his songs, composed over a hundred pieces, many of which remain beloved by performers and audiences alike. This album features a diverse selection of his works, including settings of Shakespeare's poetry, traditional Scottish and English folk songs, and lyrics by renowned poets such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, Alfred Tennyson, and Edmund Waller. Each song is a testament to Quilter's ability to capture the essence of the text, creating a seamless blend of music and poetry.
The album begins with a selection of Shakespeare songs, including the lively "It was a lover and his lass" and the tender "Take, O take those lips away." It also includes beloved folk songs like "Ca' the yowes to the knowes" and "Ye banks and braes," as well as original compositions that reflect the beauty and tranquility of the English countryside. Notable works include "Love's philosophy," "Spring Is at the Door," and the evocative "To Julia" cycle, which offers a series of intimate and romantic vignettes.
Roger Quilter's songs are deeply rooted in the English pastoral tradition, and this album provides a comprehensive overview of his contributions to the genre. Whether you are a fan of English art song, a lover of poetry set to music, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful melodies and harmonies, this collection is sure to delight. The performances on this album are brought to life by talented vocalists and accompanists, ensuring that each song is presented with the sensitivity and artistry it deserves.
2003 Naxos2003 Naxos
Tracks
5 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 23: It was a lover and his lassRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
5 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 23: Take, O take those lips awayRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
3 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 6: O mistress mineRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
4 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 30: How should I your true love knowRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
2 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 32: Orpheus with his luteRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
Hark! Hark! The larkRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
The Arnold Book of Old Songs: Ca' the yowes to the knowesRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
The Arnold Book of Old Songs: Charlie Is my darlingRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
The Arnold Book of Old Songs: Ye banks and braesRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
I arise from dreams of theeRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
6 Songs, Op. 25 (text by P.B. Shelley and J. Stephens): Music when soft voices dieRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
3 Songs, Op. 3 (text by a. Tennyson and P.B. Shelley): Love's philosophyRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
Spring Is at the doorRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
Songs of Sorrow, Op. 10: Passing dreamsRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
4 Songs, Op. 14: Autumn eveningRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
6 Songs, Op. 25 (Anonymous lyricist): An old carolRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
3 Pastoral Songs, Op. 22: I - I will go with my father a-ploughingRoger Quilter, Louisa Fuller, Ivan McCready, Lisa Milne
3 Pastoral Songs, Op. 22: Ii - Cherry valleyRoger Quilter, Louisa Fuller, Ivan McCready, Lisa Milne
3 Pastoral Songs, Op. 22: Iii - I wish and I wishRoger Quilter, Louisa Fuller, Ivan McCready, Lisa Milne
5 English Love Lyrics, Op. 24 (text by e. Waller): Go, lovely roseRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
4 Songs, Op. 14: A last year's roseRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
3 Songs, Op. 15 (Anonymous lyricist): Amaryllis at the fountainRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
5 Jacobean Lyrics, Op. 28: I dare not ask a kissRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson
3 Songs, Op. 3 (text by a. Tennyson and P.B. Shelley): Now sleeps the crimson petalRoger Quilter, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
To Julia, Op. 8: PreludeRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: I - The braceletRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: Ii - The maiden blushRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: Iii - To daisiesRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: Iv - The night pieceRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: V - Julia's hairRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: InterludeRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
To Julia, Op. 8: Vi - Cherry ripeRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
Love calls through the summer nightRoger Quilter, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Graham Johnson, Lisa Milne
Roger Quilter (1877-1953) was a distinguished British composer renowned for his exquisite art songs, which have become a cornerstone of the English vocal repertoire. Born into a wealthy family in Hove, Quilter's musical journey began at Eton and continued at Dr Hoch's Konservatorium in Frankfurt, where he studied alongside notable contemporaries. His compositions, over a hundred in number, often set music to texts by literary greats such as William Shakespeare, Robert Herrick, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, showcasing his deep appreciation for poetry and his gift for melody. Quilter's works, characterised by their elegance and impressionistic piano accompaniments, are essential for any classical singer's repertoire. Beyond his art songs, Quilter also contributed to the world of choral, instrumental, and stage works, with notable pieces including his Children’s Overture and the light opera 'Where the Rainbow Ends'. His legacy endures as a testament to his refined musical style and enduring influence on English art song.
Vinylscout
Roger Quilter
