Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Arthur Somervell's vocal masterpieces with this captivating album, released by Naxos in 2002. This collection showcases the brilliance of the English composer, who was knighted in 1929 for his significant contributions to music education and his influential role in the English music renaissance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The album features a diverse range of songs, including Somervell's renowned song cycles "The Shropshire Lad," "James Lee's Wife," and "Songs of Innocence." These works highlight Somervell's exceptional ability to set poetry to music, creating deeply evocative and memorable pieces. The tracklist spans a variety of themes and moods, from the pastoral innocence of "Songs of Innocence" to the poignant narratives of "James Lee's Wife" and the reflective lyrics of "The Shropshire Lad."
With a duration of 75 minutes, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances are brought to life by a talented ensemble of vocalists, including Christopher Maltman, Patricia Rozario, and Catherine Wyn-Rogers, accompanied by Graham Johnson on the piano. Their artistry brings out the nuances and depth of Somervell's compositions, making this album a treasure trove for fans of classical vocal music and chamber music enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are familiar with Arthur Somervell's work or discovering it for the first time, this album provides a comprehensive and enjoyable introduction to his song cycles and solo songs. The careful selection of pieces and the high-quality performances make it a standout addition to any classical music collection.
2002 Naxos2002 Naxos
Tracks
O mistress mineGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
Orpheus with his luteGraham Johnson, Patricia Rozario
Sweet KateChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
Songs of Innocence: The shepherdGraham Johnson, Catherine Wyn-Rogers
Songs of Innocence: The blossomCatherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson
Songs of Innocence: The lambCatherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson
Songs of Innocence: Nurse's SongGraham Johnson, Catherine Wyn-Rogers
From the Song Cycle Maud: Birds in the high Hall-gardenChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
From the Song Cycle Maud: Go not, happy dayGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
From the Song Cycle Maud: Come into the garden, MaudGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
James Lee's Wife: James Lee's Wife speaks at the windowCatherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
James Lee's Wife: By the firesideDuke Quartet, Graham Johnson, Catherine Wyn-Rogers
James Lee's Wife: In the doorwayCatherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson, Duke Quartet
James Lee's Wife: On the cliffDuke Quartet, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson
James Lee's Wife: Among the rocksDuke Quartet, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson
The BargainPatricia Rozario, Graham Johnson
Fain would I change that noteGraham Johnson, Patricia Rozario
Shepherd's cradle songPatricia Rozario, Graham Johnson
Come to me in my dreamsCatherine Wyn-Rogers, Graham Johnson
Dainty little maidenChristopher Maltman, Patricia Rozario, Graham Johnson
When Spring returnsGraham Johnson, Patricia Rozario
The Shropshire Lad: Lovliest of treesChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
The Shropshire Lad: When I was one-and-twentyGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
The Shropshire Lad: There pass the careless peopleGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
The Shropshire Lad: In summer-time on BredonGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
The Shropshire Lad: The street sounds to a soldier's treadChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
The Shropshire Lad: On the idle hill of summerChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
The Shropshire Lad: White in the moon the long road liesChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
The Shropshire Lad: Think no more lad, laugh, be jollyChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
The Shropshire Lad: Into my heart an air that killsChristopher Maltman, Graham Johnson
The Shropshire Lad: The lads in their hundredsGraham Johnson, Christopher Maltman
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