James Newby, the acclaimed baritone, presents a stunning debut recital with pianist Joseph Middleton in the album "I Wonder as I Wander," released on December 4, 2020, by BIS. This captivating collection of 21 tracks spans a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical arrangements and compositions that showcase Newby's exceptional vocal prowess and Middleton's masterful piano accompaniment.
The album is a diverse journey through the works of renowned composers, including Benjamin Britten, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler, and more. It features a blend of folksong arrangements, excerpts from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn," and other notable pieces such as Schubert's "Der Wanderer" and Mahler's poignant "Urlicht," which expresses the anguish and longing for transcendence.
Highlights include Britten's "I Wonder as I Wander," Moore's Irish Melodies, and Schubert's "An die ferne Geliebte," a cycle of songs that beautifully captures the essence of longing and love. The album also features lesser-known gems like "Tom Bowling" and "Adelaide," adding depth and variety to the listening experience.
James Newby's velvety baritone and Joseph Middleton's sensitive piano playing create a harmonious blend that brings out the emotional depth and nuance of each piece. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "I Wonder as I Wander" offers a compelling and enriching musical experience that highlights the artistry of both performers.
2020 BIS2020 BIS
Tracks
Tom Bowling & Other Song Arrangements: No. 6, I Wonder as I WanderBenjamin Britten, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 "British Isles": No. 2, There's None to SootheBenjamin Britten, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Der Wanderer, D. 489Franz Schubert, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Der Wanderer, D. 649Franz Schubert, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Auf der Donau, Op. 21 No. 1, D. 553Franz Schubert, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Im Freien, Op. 80 No. 3, D. 880Franz Schubert, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Abendstern, D. 806Franz Schubert, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Adelaide, Op. 46Ludwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
8 Songs, Op. 52: No. 4, MaigesangLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 1, Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähendLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 2, Wo die Berge so blauLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 3, Leichte Segler in den HöhenLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 4, Diese Wolken in den HöhenLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 5, Es kehret der Maien, es blühet die AuLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98: No. 6, Nimm sie hin denn, diese LiederLudwig van Beethoven, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Lieder und Gesange, Vol. 3: No. 10, Zu Straßburg auf der Schanz'Gustav Mahler, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Des Knaben Wunderhorn (Version for Voice & Piano) [Excerpts]: No. 11a, RevelgeGustav Mahler, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Des Knaben Wunderhorn (Version for Voice & Piano) [Excerpts]: No. 11, UrlichtGustav Mahler, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 4 "Moore's Irish Melodies" (Excerpts): No. 5, At the Mid Hour of NightBenjamin Britten, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 4 "Moore's Irish Melodies" (Excerpts): No. 9, The Last Rose of SummerBenjamin Britten, James Newby, Joseph Middleton
Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 4 "Moore's Irish Melodies" (Excerpts): No. 2, Sail On, Sail OnBenjamin Britten, James Newby, Joseph Middleton