Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Arthur Somervell's "Maud & A Shropshire Lad," a captivating collection of chamber music released on May 15, 2020, by SOMM Recordings. This album is a testament to Somervell's mastery of the song cycle, featuring two of his most celebrated works: "Maud" and "A Shropshire Lad."
"Maud," a dramatic and deeply expressive cycle, is based on Alfred Tennyson's poem and explores themes of love, loss, and longing. The cycle is divided into 13 tracks, each one a gem of musical storytelling. From the hauntingly beautiful "Come Into the Garden, Maud" to the poignant "Dead, Long Dead," Somervell's music brings Tennyson's words to life with remarkable sensitivity and depth.
"A Shropshire Lad," on the other hand, is a more pastoral and introspective cycle, inspired by the poetry of A.E. Housman. This cycle consists of 10 tracks, each one a snapshot of rural life and the passage of time. The album concludes with "Shepherd's Cradle Song," a lullaby that perfectly encapsulates the gentle, nostalgic mood of the cycle.
The album features the talented baritone Roderick Williams and pianist Susie Allan, who bring their considerable skills and artistry to these works. Their performances are marked by a deep understanding of the music and a sensitivity to the texts, making this a truly unforgettable listening experience.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, this album is a journey through the landscapes of the human heart, from the heights of joy to the depths of despair. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Maud & A Shropshire Lad" is sure to captivate and inspire you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the timeless beauty of Arthur Somervell's music.
2020 SOMM Recordings2020 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Maud: No. 1, I Hate the Dreadful HollowArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 2, A Voice by the Cedar TreeArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 3, She Came to the Village ChurchArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 4, O Let the Solid GroundArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 5, Birds in the High Hall GardenArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 6, Maud Has a GardenArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 7, Go Not, Happy DayArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 8, I Have Led Her HomeArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 9, Come Into the Garden, MaudArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 10, The Fault Was MineArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 11, Dead, Long DeadArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 12, O That 'Twere PossibleArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Maud: No. 13, My Life Has Crept so LongArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Kingdom by the SeaArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 1, Loveliest of TreesArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 2, When I Was One-and-TwentyArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 3, There Pass the Careless PeopleArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 4, In Summer-Time on BredonArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 5, The Street Sounds to a Soldier's TreadArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 6, On the Idle Hill of SummerArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 7, White in the Moon the Long Road LiesArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 8, Think No More, LadArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 9, Into My Heart an Air That KillsArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
A Shropshire Lad: No. 10, The Lads in Their Hundreds, to Ludlow Come In for the FairArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Shepherd's Cradle SongArthur Somervell, Roderick Williams, Susie Allan
Arthur Somervell, born in the picturesque town of Windermere in 1863, was a prominent English composer and educator whose works span the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A pupil of the renowned Charles Villiers Stanford at Cambridge and Hubert Parry at the Royal College of Music, Somervell's musical journey was marked by a period of study in Berlin, enriching his compositional style. Known for his art songs and chamber music, Somervell's compositions reflect a deep understanding of musical form and emotion. His success as a composer was matched by his contributions to music education, making him a significant figure in the English musical landscape. Somervell's legacy endures through his enduring compositions, which continue to captivate audiences with their lyrical beauty and technical mastery.
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Arthur Somervell
