Roger Quilter: Songs is a captivating collection of art songs by the renowned British composer, Roger Quilter. Released on 1 September 1996 by Hyperion, this album showcases Quilter's mastery of setting music to text, particularly his beloved interpretations of William Shakespeare's works.
With a career spanning over a hundred compositions, Quilter's songs have become a staple of the English art song tradition, cherished by performers and audiences alike. This album features a wide range of his compositions, including his iconic Shakespeare settings, such as the 3 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 6, and the 5 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 23.
The album also includes other notable works, including the 4 Songs of Mirza Schaffy, Op. 2, and the 7 Elizabethan Lyrics, Op. 12, which demonstrate Quilter's ability to craft beautiful, expressive melodies that bring the poetry to life.
Roger Quilter's life and music have been extensively researched, and his compositions continue to be celebrated for their technical accessibility and emotional depth. This album, featuring 39 songs, is a testament to Quilter's enduring legacy and a must-listen for fans of classical music and art songs. With its release, Hyperion has made Quilter's remarkable music accessible to a wider audience, allowing listeners to appreciate the beauty and elegance of his compositions.
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.
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Roger Quilter
