Hoddinott: Landscapes

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Alun Hoddinott's "Landscapes," a captivating collection of song cycles and folksongs released in 2014 under the prestigious Naxos label. This album is a testament to Hoddinott's mastery of composition, offering a rich tapestry of musical landscapes that evoke the beauty and spirit of Wales.

The album begins with "5 Landscapes, Op. 87," a series of pieces that paint vivid musical portraits of Welsh locales, each with its own distinct character and mood. Following this, "2 Songs from Glamorgan" showcases Hoddinott's ability to blend traditional Welsh melodies with sophisticated harmonic language.

The centerpiece of the album is "The Silver Hound, Op. 121," a dramatic and evocative song cycle that tells the story of a silver hound and its encounters with various characters. This is followed by "One Must Always Have Love, Op. 152 No. 3," a set of songs that explore themes of love and longing.

The album concludes with "Towy Landscape, Op. 190" and "6 Welsh Folksongs," which offer a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Each song is a gem, showcasing Hoddinott's deep connection to his Welsh heritage and his ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally appealing.

With a total duration of one hour, "Landscapes" is a journey through the musical imagination of one of Wales' most celebrated composers. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply looking to explore something new, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.