James Gilchrist delivers a captivating performance in this 2007 release, "Vaughan Williams: On Wenlock Edge," a choral and requiem masterpiece that showcases his exceptional vocal prowess. The album features a stunning collection of songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, complemented by works from Peter Warlock, Ivor Gurney, and Arthur Bliss. Gilchrist's tenure is a standout, offering a rich and textured interpretation that draws the audience into the depth of each piece.
The tracklist is a journey through evocative compositions, starting with the hauntingly beautiful "On Wenlock Edge" cycle and continuing with other notable works like "The Curlew," "Elegiac Sonnet," and "Ludlow and Teme." Each track is performed with precision and passion, highlighting Gilchrist's ability to convey the essence of each composition.
Accompanied by the talented Anna Tilbrook on piano and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, Gilchrist's performance is both imaginative and finely nuanced. The collaboration between these artists results in a recording that is both powerful and intimate, making it a standout in the choral and requiem genres. The album's duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes ensures a comprehensive exploration of these timeless pieces, providing a rich listening experience.
2007 Linn Records Ltd2007 Linn Records Ltd
Tracks
On Wenlock Edge: I. On Wenlock EdgeRalph Vaughan Williams, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
On Wenlock Edge: II. From Far, from Eve and MorningRalph Vaughan Williams, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
On Wenlock Edge: III. Is My Team PloughingRalph Vaughan Williams, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
On Wenlock Edge: IV. Oh, When I Was in Love with YouRalph Vaughan Williams, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
On Wenlock Edge: V. Bredon HillRalph Vaughan Williams, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
On Wenlock Edge: VI. ClunRalph Vaughan Williams, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
The CurlewPeter Warlock, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook, Michael Cox, Gareth Hulse
Elegiac SonnetArthur Bliss, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: I. When Smoke Stood up From LudlowIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: II. Far in a Western BrooklandIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: III. ’Tis Time I ThinkIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: IV. Ludlow FairIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: V. On the Idle Hill of SummerIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: VI. When I Was One and TwentyIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook
Ludlow and Teme: VII. The Lent LilyIvor Gurney, Fitzwilliam Quartet, James Gilchrist, Anna Tilbrook