"Songs for Sir John" is a captivating album released by the talented soprano Lesley-Jane Rogers on September 11, 2020, under the Divine Art label. This operatic gem showcases Rogers' sparkling clarity and virtuosity, accompanied by an ensemble of distinguished musicians including John Turner on the recorder, Richard Simpson on the oboe, Benedict Holland on the violin, Susie Meszaros on the viola, and Nicholas Trygstad on the cello.
The album is a tribute to Sir John Manduell, featuring a collection of songs, many of which are settings of poems by W. B. Yeats, Manduell's favorite. The tracklist is a diverse mix of compositions, ranging from Yeats-inspired pieces like "Sonnet," "The Cold Heaven," and "Those Images" to playful nursery rhymes and instrumental interludes. The album also includes notable works such as "Strings in the Earth and Air" and "The Cloths of Heaven," both showcasing Rogers' soprano prowess alongside the intricate ensemble arrangements.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes, "Songs for Sir John" offers a rich and immersive listening experience. The album is a testament to Lesley-Jane Rogers' artistry and the collaborative brilliance of the accompanying musicians, making it a standout release in the world of opera.
2020 Divine Art2020 Divine Art
Tracks
Men Improve with the YearsRobin Stevens, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
SonnetElis Pehkonen, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
The Cold HeavenMartin Bussey, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
ReflectionGeoffrey Poole, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
Yeats InterludeSally Beamish, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
Be StillMichael Ball, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
Those ImagesDavid Horne, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
2 Yeats Songs, Op. 23b: No. 1, LullabyDavid Matthews, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
2 Yeats Songs, Op. 23b: No. 2, Sweet DancerDavid Matthews, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
Zuzu's PetalsKevin Malone, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
This Great Purple ButterflyGary Carpenter, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
Strings in the Earth and Air (Version for Soprano, Recorder, Oboe, Violin & Cello)Peter Dickinson, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
3 Pieces for 2 Recorders: No. 1, ModeratoLennox Berkeley, John Turner, Laura Robinson
3 Pieces for 2 Recorders: No. 2, MinuetLennox Berkeley, John Turner, Laura Robinson
3 Pieces for 2 Recorders: No. 3, AllegroLennox Berkeley, John Turner, Laura Robinson
4 Nursery Rhymes to Texts by Thomas Pitfield: No. 1, The Shipwrecked SailorRobin Walker, Richard Baker, John Turner, Keith Swallow
4 Nursery Rhymes to Texts by Thomas Pitfield: No. 2, Lilly PickleRobin Walker, Richard Baker, John Turner, Keith Swallow
4 Nursery Rhymes to Texts by Thomas Pitfield: No. 3, Staring MoonRobin Walker, Richard Baker, John Turner, Keith Swallow
4 Nursery Rhymes to Texts by Thomas Pitfield: No. 4, Cat and MouseRobin Walker, Richard Baker, John Turner, Keith Swallow
The Cat and the MoonJeremy Pike, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Nicholas Trygstad
Into the TwilightNicholas Marshall, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Susie Meszaros, Nicholas Trygstad
The Cloths of Heaven (Version for Soprano, Recorder, Oboe, Viola & Cello)Naji Hakim, Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Richard Simpson, Susie Meszaros, Nicholas Trygstad
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