Ian Bostridge, the renowned British tenor, presents a captivating exploration of Shakespeare's timeless words through music in his album "Shakespeare Songs." Released in 2016 under Warner Classics, this classical choral masterpiece is a collaboration with acclaimed conductor Antonio Pappano. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, the album features 29 tracks that beautifully intertwine Shakespeare's poetic verses with enchanting compositions from various renowned artists.
The album opens with Gerald Finzi's "Let us Garlands Bring, Op. 18," a series of songs that set the stage for a journey through Shakespeare's most beloved works. Bostridge's exquisite vocals bring to life the essence of these pieces, accompanied by the delicate nuances of the orchestra. The tracklist includes iconic songs such as "Come Away, Come Away Death," "Who is Silvia?," and "O Mistress Mine," each offering a unique interpretation of Shakespeare's words.
Bostridge's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey the deepest emotions through his voice make this album a standout in the classical genre. The collaboration with Antonio Pappano ensures that the musical arrangements are both rich and evocative, providing a perfect backdrop for Bostridge's powerful performances.
"Shakespeare Songs" is not just a collection of songs; it's a celebration of the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's works through the lens of classical music. Whether you're a fan of Shakespeare, classical music, or simply appreciate the art of storytelling through song, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Ian Bostridge's masterful interpretation and the exquisite musical arrangements make "Shakespeare Songs" a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the timeless words of the Bard.
Finzi: Let us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: I. Come Away, Come Away DeathGerald Finzi, Ian Bostridge
Finzi: Let us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: II. Who is Silvia?Gerald Finzi, Ian Bostridge
Finzi: Let us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: III. Fear No more the Heat o' the SunGerald Finzi, Ian Bostridge
Finzi: Let us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: IV. O Mistress MineGerald Finzi, Ian Bostridge
Finzi: Let us Garlands Bring, Op. 18: V. It Was a Lover and his LassGerald Finzi, Ian Bostridge
Byrd: Caleno Custore MeWilliam Byrd, Ian Bostridge
Morley: It Was a Lover and His LassThomas Morley, Ian Bostridge
Wilson: Take O Take Those Lips AwayJohn Wilson, Ian Bostridge
Morley: O Mistress MineThomas Morley, Ian Bostridge
Johnson: Where the Bee SucksRobert Johnson, Ian Bostridge
Johnson: Full Fathom FiveRobert Johnson, Ian Bostridge
Schubert: An Silvia, D. 891Franz Schubert, Ian Bostridge
Haydn: She Never Told Her Love, Hob. XXVIa No. 34Joseph Haydn, Ian Bostridge, Antonio Pappano
Quilter: 3 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 6: No. 1, Come Away, DeathRoger Quilter, Ian Bostridge, Antonio Pappano
Gurney: 5 Elizabethan Songs (The Elizas): III. Under the Greenwood TreeIvor Gurney, Ian Bostridge
Warlock: Pretty Ring TimePeter Warlock, Ian Bostridge
Warlock: Sweet and TwentyPeter Warlock, Ian Bostridge
Korngold: 4 Shakespeare Songs, Op. 31: No. 1, Desdemona's SongErich Wolfgang Korngold, Ian Bostridge
Korngold: Songs of the Clown, Op. 29: I. Come Away DeathErich Wolfgang Korngold, Ian Bostridge
Korngold: Songs of the Clown, Op. 29: II. Adieu, Good Man DevilErich Wolfgang Korngold, Ian Bostridge
Poulenc: Fancie, FP 174Francis Poulenc, Ian Bostridge, Antonio Pappano
Britten: Fancie - "Tell Me Where is Fancy Bred"Benjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge
Tippet: Songs for Ariel: No. 1, Come Unto These Yellow SandsMichael Tippett, Ian Bostridge, Antonio Pappano
Tippet: Songs for Ariel: No. 2, Full Fathom FiveMichael Tippett, Ian Bostridge, Antonio Pappano
Tippet: Songs for Ariel: No. 3, Where the Bee SucksMichael Tippett, Ian Bostridge, Antonio Pappano
Stravinsky: 3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 1, Musick to HeareIgor Stravinsky, Ian Bostridge, Adam Walker, Lawrence Power, Michael Collins
Stravinsky: 3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 2, Full Fadom FiveIgor Stravinsky, Ian Bostridge, Adam Walker, Lawrence Power, Michael Collins
Stravinsky: 3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 3, Spring. When Daisies PiedIgor Stravinsky, Ian Bostridge, Adam Walker, Lawrence Power, Michael Collins
Anon: When that I Was but a Little Tiny BoyAnonymous, Ian Bostridge