Quilter: Where the Rainbow Ends / Country Pieces

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Roger Quilter's orchestral works with this captivating album, released in 1994. This collection showcases Quilter's mastery of British light music, offering a delightful blend of whimsical and pastoral themes that evoke the charm of the English countryside and the magic of folklore.

The album opens with "A Children's Overture," setting the stage for a journey through Quilter's imaginative compositions. The centerpiece is the "Where the Rainbow Ends Suite," a six-movement orchestral work that paints vivid musical pictures of mythical lands, mischievous goblins, and enchanting fairies. Each movement, from the vibrant "Rainbow Land" to the playful "Fairy Frolic," is a testament to Quilter's ability to capture the essence of storytelling through music.

Also featured is the "As You Like It" suite, inspired by Shakespeare's pastoral comedy. This four-movement work transports listeners to the Forest of Arden, with movements like "Shepherd's Holiday" and "Evening in the Forest" evoking the idyllic beauty of the countryside. The "Country Pieces" offer a charming glimpse into rural life, with titles like "Shepherd Song" and "Forest Lullaby" highlighting Quilter's knack for creating evocative musical scenes.

The album also includes selections from "The Rake," a suite that explores the escapades of a carefree young man, and the lively "3 English Dances." The collection concludes with the elegant "Rosme Waltz," a concert waltz that showcases Quilter's romantic side.

Conducted by Adrian Leaper and performed by the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, this album is a treasure trove of delightful melodies and captivating orchestrations. Whether you're a fan of British light music or simply looking to discover the enchanting world of Roger Quilter, this album is sure to charm and entertain.

February 23, 1994

1994 Marco-Polo

About Roger Quilter

Roger Quilter (1877-1953) was a distinguished British composer renowned for his exquisite art songs, which have become a cornerstone of the English vocal repertoire. Born into a wealthy family in Hove, Quilter's musical journey began at Eton and continued at Dr Hoch's Konservatorium in Frankfurt, where he studied alongside notable contemporaries. His compositions, over a hundred in number, often set music to texts by literary greats such as William Shakespeare, Robert Herrick, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, showcasing his deep appreciation for poetry and his gift for melody. Quilter's works, characterised by their elegance and impressionistic piano accompaniments, are essential for any classical singer's repertoire. Beyond his art songs, Quilter also contributed to the world of choral, instrumental, and stage works, with notable pieces including his Children’s Overture and the light opera 'Where the Rainbow Ends'. His legacy endures as a testament to his refined musical style and enduring influence on English art song.