Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Richard Rodney Bennett's "Letters to Lindbergh," a captivating album released on Signum Records in December 2012. This collection, recorded over three days in April 2012 at the Henry Wood Hall in Glasgow, showcases the remarkable versatility of the late English composer and pianist, who passed away later that year.
The album is a journey through Bennett's distinctive compositional style, blending traditional and contemporary elements. It opens with the evocative "Letters to Lindbergh" suite, a series of musical epistles that paint vivid sonic landscapes, from the icy expanses of Antarctica to the distant reaches of Pluto. The suite is followed by a collection of songs and carols that highlight Bennett's knack for melody and his deep connection to American folk traditions.
The album also features "The Aviary," a suite that brings to life the songs of various birds, each piece a delicate and intricate musical portrait. "Dream-Songs" offers a haunting exploration of the human psyche, while "Over the Hills and Far Away" presents a delightful array of nursery rhymes and folk tunes, reimagined with Bennett's signature charm and wit.
Throughout the album, Bennett's mastery of composition and his deep understanding of the human voice shine through. The NYCoS National Girls Choir delivers a stellar performance, bringing warmth, precision, and emotional depth to each piece. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Letters to Lindbergh" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the enduring power of Bennett's music.
(C) 2012 Signum Records
Tracks
Letters to Lindbergh: PreludeRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Letters to Lindbergh: The Letter from Scott of the AntarcticRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Letters to Lindbergh: The Letter from the TitanicRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Letters to Lindbergh: The Letter from PlutoRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
The Ballad of Sweet WilliamRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
The Aviary: The Birds LamentRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
The Aviary: The OwlRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
The Aviary: The Early NightingaleRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
The Aviary: The Widow BirdRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
The Aviary: The LarkRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Dream-Songs: The Song of the WandererRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Dream-Songs: The Song of the ShadowsRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Dream-Songs: Dream-SongRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Dream-Songs: The Song of the Mad PrinceRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
A Song at EveningRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Four American Carols: A Child of GodRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Four American Carols: I Wonder as I WanderRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Four American Carols: Away in a MangerRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Four American Carols: Rise Up, Shepherd, and FollowRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore, NYCoS National Girls Choir, Christopher Bell
Over the Hills and Far Away: Bobby ShaftoRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Polly Put the Kettle OnRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Rockabye BabyRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Pop Goes the WeaselRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?Richard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Upon Paul's SteepleRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Golden SlumbersRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore
Over the Hills and Far Away: Over the Hills and Far AwayRichard Rodney Bennett, Andrew West, Philip Moore