Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant baritone of Roderick Williams as he masterfully interprets the romantic tales and profound laments of Johannes Brahms' "Romanzen aus Die Schöne Magelone" and "Vier ernste Gesänge". Recorded in March 2017 and released under Signum Records, this choral album is a captivating journey through Brahms' evocative storytelling and emotional depth.
The album is a beautiful blend of narrative and song, with "Romanzen aus Die Schöne Magelone" weaving a tapestry of love, longing, and loss through its fifteen tracks. Each song is a chapter in the story of Magelone and Peter, brought to life by Williams' expressive and nuanced performance. Accompanied by the sensitive and insightful playing of Roger Vignoles on the piano, the album is a testament to the power of song to tell a story.
The second half of the album features the "Vier ernste Gesänge", a set of four serious songs that delve into the human condition and our relationship with the divine. These songs, with their profound texts and complex harmonies, showcase Williams' dramatic range and interpretive skill.
With a duration of 1 hour and 37 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen, offering a deep dive into the world of Brahms' song cycles. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Roderick Williams' compelling performances and the timeless beauty of Brahms' music are sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2017 Signum Records
Tracks
The Story of the Magelone: This is the story of...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: I. Keinen hat es noch gereutJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Peter listened quietly...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: II. Traun! Bogen und Pfeil sind gut fur den FeindJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: After travelling for many days...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: III. Sind es Schmerzen sind es FreudenJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Peter vowed...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: IV. Liebe kam aus fernen LandenJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Magelone was deeply moved...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: V. So willst du des Armen dich gnadig erbarmen?Johannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: The following morning...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: VI. Wie soll ich die Freude die Wonne denn tragen?Johannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: At last it was the hour...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: VII. War es dir dem diese Lippen bebtenJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Now it so happened...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: VIII. Wir mussen uns trennen geliebtes SaitenspielJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: As soon as night fell...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: IX. Ruhe SussliebchenJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Gazing up into the treetops...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: X. Verzweiflung "So tonet denn"Johannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Meanwhile back in the forest...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: XI. Wie schnell verschwindet so Licht als GlanzJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Far out at sea...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: XII. Muss es eine Trennung gebenJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: Now the sultan had a daughter...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: XIII. Sulima "Geliebter, wo zaudert"Johannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: As Peter heard this song...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: XIV. Wie froh und frischJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
The Story of the Magelone: When day dawned...Ludwig Tieck, Roger Vignoles, Roderick Williams
Romanzen aus Die Schone Magelone, Op. 33: XV. Treue Liebe dauert langeJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
Vier ernste Gesänge, Op. 121: I. Denn es gehet dem MenschenJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
Vier ernste Gesänge, Op. 121: II. Ich wandte mich und sahe an alleJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
Vier ernste Gesänge, Op. 121: III. O Tod o Tod wie bitter bist duJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
Vier ernste Gesänge, Op. 121: IV. Wenn ich mit Menschen- und mit Engelzungen redeteJohannes Brahms, Roderick Williams, Roger Vignoles
Roderick Williams, a celebrated British baritone and composer, has captivated audiences worldwide with his rich, resonant voice and versatile repertoire. Born in London in 1965 to a Welsh father and Jamaican mother, Williams has become one of the most sought-after baritones of his generation. His performances span a wide range of styles, from baroque to contemporary music, enchanting listeners in opera houses, concert halls, and recital venues alike. With a career that includes appearances on acclaimed albums such as "Rutter: Mass of the Children" and "The Official Album of The Coronation: The Complete Recording," Williams has solidified his status as a true master of his craft. His ability to connect with audiences and bring stories to life through song makes every performance a memorable experience.
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Roderick Williams
