Immerse yourself in the evocative world of A.E. Housman's poetry, beautifully interpreted by the Coull Quartet in their 2010 release, "Songs from A E Housman's: A Shropshire Lad." This captivating album, released under the Meridian Records label, is a testament to the quartet's mastery of chamber music, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that span a variety of moods and themes.
The album features a diverse selection of tracks, including settings of Housman's poems by various composers, as well as standalone pieces that complement the poetic narrative. The Coull Quartet, renowned for their nuanced performances, is joined by Graham Trew and Roger Vignoles, adding depth and richness to the musical landscape. The album's duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes ensures a comprehensive exploration of the themes and emotions encapsulated in Housman's poetry.
Highlights include the serene "Loveliest of Trees" and the introspective "When I was One-and-Twenty," both of which showcase the quartet's ability to convey subtle nuances in the music. The album also features lesser-known gems such as "The Western Playland" suite, which offers a unique blend of musical styles and compositions.
For fans of chamber music and classical poetry settings, this album is a treasure trove of artistic expression. The Coull Quartet's meticulous attention to detail and their ability to bring out the essence of each composition make this album a standout in their discography. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Songs from A E Housman's: A Shropshire Lad" promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.
(C) 2009 meridian records
Tracks
A Shropshire Lad: No. 1, Loveliest of TreesArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 2, When I was One-and-TwentyArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 3, There Pass the Careless PeopleArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 4, In Summer-Time on BredonArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 5, The Street Sounds to a Soldier's TreadArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 6, On the Idle Hill of SummerArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 7, White in the Moon the Long Road LiesArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 8, Think No More, LadArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 9, Into My Heart an Air that KillsArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
A Shropshire Lad: No. 10, The Lads in their Hundreds to Ludlow Come in for the FairArthur Somervell, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 1, Loveliest of Trees in E MajorGeorge Butterworth, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 2, When I was One and Twenty in B MinorGeorge Butterworth, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 3, Look Not in my Eyes in F MajorGeorge Butterworth, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 4, Think No More, Lad in G-Sharp MinorGeorge Butterworth, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 5, The Lads in Their Hundreds in F-Sharp MajorGeorge Butterworth, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad: No. 6, Is my Team Ploughing? in G MinorGeorge Butterworth, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
When the Lad for Longing SighsGraham Peel, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
ReveilleGraham Peel, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
In Summertime on BredonGraham Peel, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: ReveilleIvor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: Loveliest of TreesIvor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: Golden Friends (With Rue My Heart is Laden)Ivor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: Twice a WeekIvor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: The Aspens (Along the Field)Ivor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: Is My Team Ploughing?Ivor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: The Far Country (Into My Heart an Air that Kills)Ivor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles
The Western Playland: March (The Sun at Noon to Higher Air)Ivor Gurney, Graham Trew, Roger Vignoles