Songs in Time of War

Album Description

Alec Roth's 'Songs in Time of War' is a captivating album that showcases the English composer's collaboration with Indian writer Vikram Seth. Released on 30 June 2008 by Signum Classics, this choral masterpiece features a series of poignant and evocative songs that explore the human experience of war and its emotional resonance.

Performed by renowned tenor Mark Padmore, accompanied by Philippe Honoré on violin, Alison Nicholls on harp, and Morgan Szymanski on guitar, the album presents a beautiful blend of music and poetry. The songs, including 'Thoughts while Travelling at Night', 'Grieving for the Young Prince', and 'Dreaming of Li Bai', demonstrate Roth's skill in setting Seth's powerful words to music, creating a sense of intimacy and emotional depth.

The album also includes 'Chinese Gardens', a suite of songs for tenor and guitar, which showcases the beauty of Seth's poetry and Roth's sensitive settings. With a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, 'Songs in Time of War' is a substantial and rewarding listen, offering a rich and immersive experience for fans of choral music and poetry.

Featuring 18 tracks, including 'The Visitor', 'A Fine Lady', and 'Moonlit Night', this album is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and explore the human condition. Alec Roth's 'Songs in Time of War' is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty of choral music and the poetry of Vikram Seth.

30 jun 2008

About Alec Roth

Alec Roth is a versatile English composer, born near Manchester in 1948, with a rich heritage of German and Irish descent. With over 60 commissioned works to his credit, Roth's compositions span a wide array of genres, including opera, music-theatre, choral, orchestral, and instrumental pieces. He is particularly renowned for his collaborations with the acclaimed Indian writer Vikram Seth, notably the opera 'Arion and the Dolphin'. His music often draws from diverse cultural influences, as seen in his 2012 cantata 'A Time to Dance', which is rooted in American musical heritage. Roth's works, such as 'Song of the Shepherds', showcase his ability to craft evocative and engaging pieces that resonate with audiences. Currently based in Malvern, Worcestershire, Alec Roth continues to enrich the musical landscape with his distinctive and captivating compositions.