Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's Vocal Works, a captivating collection of songs that showcases the composer's unique ability to blend poetry and music into a harmonious whole. Released on October 1, 2007, by Lyrita, this album is a testament to Finzi's deep appreciation for English poetry and his mastery of musical expression.
Spanning nearly two hours, the album is divided into four distinct song cycles, each offering a different emotional landscape and musical journey. The first cycle, "Before & After Summer," Op. 16, is a reflective exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The second cycle, "Till Earth Outwears," Op. 19a, delves into themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The third cycle, "I Said to Love," Op. 19b, is a poignant meditation on love and longing. Finally, the fourth cycle, "Earth and Air and Rain," Op. 15, celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the cycles of life.
Finzi's compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate rhythms. His settings of poems by Thomas Hardy, Robert Bridges, and Christina Rossetti, among others, are particularly noteworthy for their sensitivity and nuance. Whether you're a longtime fan of Finzi's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. So sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of Gerald Finzi's Vocal Works transport you to a world of beauty, contemplation, and wonder.
2007 Lyrita2007 Lyrita
Tracks
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 1, Childhood Among the FernsGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 2, Before & SummerGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 3, The Self-unseeingGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 4, Overlooking the RiverGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summerr, Op. 16: No. 5, Channel FiringGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 6, In the Mind's EyeGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 7, The Too Short TimeGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 8, EpeisodiaGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 9, AmabelGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Before & After Summer, Op. 16: No. 10, He Abjures LoveGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 1, Let Me Enjoy the EarthGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 2, In Years DefacedGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 3, The Market GirlGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 4, I Look into My GlassGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 5, It Never Looks like Summer HereGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 6, At a Lunar EclipseGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 7, Life Laughs OnwardsGerald Finzi, Robert Tear, Howard Ferguson
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 1, I Need Not GoGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 2, At Middle-Field Gate in FebruaryGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 3, Two LipsGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 4, In Five-score Summers (Meditation)Gerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 5, For Life I Had Never Cared GreatlyGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
I Said to Love, Op. 19b: No. 6, I Said to LoveGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 1, A Young Man's ExhortationGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 2, DittyGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 3, Budmouth DearsGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 4, Her TempleGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 5, The Comet at Yell'hamGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 6, Shortening DaysGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 7, The SighGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 8, Former BeautiesGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 9, TransformationsGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14: No. 10, The Dance ContinuedGerald Finzi, Neil Jenkins, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 1, Summer SchemesGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 2, When I Set Out for LyonesseGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 3, Waiting BothGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 4, The PhantomGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 5, So I Have FaredGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 6, Rollicum-RorumGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 7, To Lizbie BrowneGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 8, The Clock of the YearsGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 9, In a ChurchyardGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15: No. 10, Proud SongstersGerald Finzi, John Carol Case, Howard Ferguson
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