Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Peter Warlock with this captivating collection of his most beloved works. Released in 2003, this album showcases the composer's versatility and mastery of the English song tradition. The centerpiece of the album is Warlock's evocative setting of W.B. Yeats' poem "The Curlew," a hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights the composer's ability to convey deep emotion through music. Alongside this, you'll find a mix of Warlock's boisterous drinking songs and more introspective pieces, offering a comprehensive journey through his musical repertoire.
The album is divided into several sections, each offering a unique perspective on Warlock's compositional style. "The Curlew" cycle, with its atmospheric settings of Yeats' poetry, is a standout feature, while the "Peterisms" sets provide a lively contrast with their playful and humorous character. The "Saudades" section offers a more melancholic tone, with settings of Portuguese folk songs and poems by Elizabethan poets.
Warlock's orchestration is rich and evocative, bringing to life the varied landscapes and moods of his source material. Whether you're a longtime fan of Warlock's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is a wonderful introduction to the composer's unique voice and enduring appeal. The album features a stellar cast of soloists and the Duke Quartet, ensuring that every note is brought to life with precision and passion. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is perfect for a relaxing evening or a focused listening session.
2003 Naxos2003 Naxos
Tracks
The Curlew: O Curlew, cry no more in the airPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable, Philippa Davies, Christine Pendrill, Duke Quartet
The Curlew: Pale brows, still hands and dim hairPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable, Philippa Davies, Christine Pendrill, Duke Quartet
The Curlew: I cried when the moon was murmuring to the birdsPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable, Philippa Davies, Christine Pendrill, Duke Quartet
The Curlew: InterludePeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable, Philippa Davies, Christine Pendrill, Duke Quartet
The Curlew: I wander by the edge of this desolate lakePeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable, Philippa Davies, Christine Pendrill, Duke Quartet
Lillygay: The Distracted MaidPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Lillygay: Burd Ellen and Young TamlanePeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Lillygay: Rantum TantumPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Peter Warlock's FancyPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Peterisms, Set I: ChopcherryPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
Peterisms, Set I: A Sad SongPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
Peterisms, Set I: RutterkinPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
My gostly faderPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Bright is the ring of wordsPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Saudades: Along the streamPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Saudades: Take, O take those lips awayPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Saudades: HeraclitusPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
The Cloths of Heaven: The cloths of HeavenPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
The Frostbound Wood: The frostbound woodPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Bethlehem DownPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Sweet and twentyPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
And wilt thou leave me thus?Peter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Mr. Belloc's Fancy: Mr Belloc's FancyPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Peterisms, Set II: Roister DoisterPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
Peterisms, Set II: SpringPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
Peterisms, Set II: Lusty JuventusPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
The BachelorPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
Away to TwiverPeter Warlock, Adrian Thompson, John Constable
Captain Stratton's FancyPeter Warlock, Christopher Maltman, John Constable
Peter Warlock, born Philip Arnold Heseltine, was a British composer and music critic whose name is synonymous with some of the most exquisite English art songs of the early 20th century. Under the pseudonym Peter Warlock, he crafted over 150 songs, predominantly for solo voice and piano, which continue to captivate audiences with their emotional depth and musical ingenuity. Warlock's life was as colorful as his music, marked by a fascination with the occult and a reputation for a hedonistic lifestyle that often courted scandal. Despite his untimely death at the age of 36, his compositions remain a testament to his genius, blending classical training with a unique, personal touch. His work as a songwriter is his enduring legacy, offering a glimpse into a world where music and mystique intertwine.
Vinylscout
Peter Warlock
