The Songs of Roger Quilter

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Roger Quilter's vocal compositions with "The Songs of Roger Quilter," a captivating collection released on May 1, 2015, by Nimbus Records. This album, featuring the exquisite performances of Charlotte de Rothschild and Adrian Farmer, offers a comprehensive journey through the renowned composer's song cycles and individual pieces.

Spanning a duration of one hour and three minutes, the album comprises 28 tracks that showcase Quilter's mastery of the English art song. From the delicate "St. Valentine's Day" to the evocative "Songs, Op. 14" and "Songs, Op. 25," each piece is a testament to Quilter's ability to blend poetry and music seamlessly. The album also includes settings of texts by William Blake and other notable poets, providing a rich tapestry of literary influences.

Highlights include the whimsical "Fairy Lullaby," the haunting "Songs of Sorrow," and the tender "April Love," each track performed with nuance and sensitivity by de Rothschild and Farmer. The album is a delightful exploration of Quilter's oeuvre, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are familiar with Quilter's work or discovering it for the first time, this album promises a rewarding and enchanting listening experience.

May 1, 2015

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.