Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's vocal mastery with the 2007 release "Finzi: Young Man's Exhortation / Till Earth Outwears / Oh Fair To See." This captivating album, part of Naxos's English Song Series, Volume 16, is a testament to Finzi's enduring legacy in the realm of English art song. Spanning a total of 24 tracks, the album is a collection of three distinct song cycles, each offering a unique exploration of Finzi's lyrical and melodic prowess.
The album opens with "A Young Man's Exhortation," a two-part cycle that sets the tone with its youthful exuberance and poetic depth. Finzi's ability to weave words and music into a seamless tapestry is evident in tracks like "Budmouth Dears" and "Her Temple," which showcase his knack for capturing the essence of human emotion.
"Till Earth Outwears," the second cycle, delves into themes of time, mortality, and the fleeting nature of beauty. Songs like "Let Me Enjoy the Earth" and "In Years Defaced" are poignant reflections on the passage of time, rendered with Finzi's characteristic sensitivity and grace.
The album concludes with "Oh Fair to See," a cycle that celebrates the beauty of nature and the human spirit. Tracks like "I Say 'I'll Seek Her Side'" and "Oh Fair to See" are vibrant and uplifting, showcasing Finzi's ability to evoke joy and wonder through his music.
Performed by the renowned tenor John Mark Ainsley and pianist Iain Burnside, this album is a stunning showcase of Finzi's songwriting genius. Whether you're a longtime fan of Finzi's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. With its rich tapestry of sound and emotion, "Finzi: Young Man's Exhortation / Till Earth Outwears / Oh Fair To See" is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the English art song tradition.
(C) 2007 Naxos(P) 2007 Naxos
Tracks
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 1: No. 1, A Young Man's ExhortationGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 1: No. 2, DittyGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 1: No. 3, Budmouth DearsGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 1: No. 4, Her TempleGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 1: No. 5, The Comet at Yell'hamGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 2: No. 6, Shortening DaysGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 2: No. 7, The SighGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 2: No. 8, Former BeautiesGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 2: No. 9, TransformationsGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14, Pt. 2: No. 10, The Dance ContinuedGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 1, Let Me Enjoy the EarthGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 2, In Years DefacedGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 3, The Market-GirlGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 4, I Look into My GlassGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 5, It Never Looks Like Summer HereGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 6, At a Lunar EclipseGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Till Earth Outwears, Op. 19a: No. 7, Life Laughs OnwardsGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 1, I Say "I'll Seek Her Side"Gerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 2, Oh Fair to SeeGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 3, As I Lay in the Early SunGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 4, Only the WandererGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 5, To JoyGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 6, HarvestGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
Oh Fair to See, Op. 13b: No. 7, Since We LovedGerald Finzi, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside
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