RALPH VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS

 

On Wenlock Edge

 

Ralph Vaughan-Williams - On Wenlock Edge

Peter Warlock - The Curlew

Arthur Bliss  - Elegiac Sonnet

Ivor Gurney  - Ludlow & Teme

 

James Gilchrist (tenor)

Fitzwilliam String Quartet

Anna Tilbrook (piano)

Michael Cox (flute),

Gareth Hulse (cor anglais)

 

Multichannel SACD Hybrid

(Plays on all CD players)

 

“Gilchrist's bright, ringing tenor voice is compelling from the first note, but it's the range of expression and unaffected musicality that leave the lasting impression”

BBC Music Magazine

 

Vaughan Williams, a tour de force of English song, set A.E. Housman’s “On Wenlock Edge” following a visit with Ravel in Paris. The French influence can be clearly heard in the distinctive piano quintet accompaniment – an innovation in English song.

 

This is a premiere recording of Gurney’s masterpiece “Ludlow & Teme” using the composer’s revised and corrected version which, after studying with Vaughan Williams, he declared to be his favourite: “the alterations are simple (and striking).”

 

 “The Curlew”, imaginatively scored for flute, cor anglais and string quartet, recalls a peaceful English countryside despite the stormy relationship between Warlock and the poet WB Yeats.

 

Bliss and poet Cecil Day-Lewis (father of actor Daniel) wrote the expressive and poignant “Elegiac Sonnet” for the late pianist Noel Mewton-Wood, described as “the best talent that I’ve discovered in the British Empire for years” by Thomas Beecham.

 

Gilchrist has established a reputation as the leading figure in English song interpretation following his acclaimed debut recital album of Finzi songs and countless concert performances of works by Vaughan Williams, Britten and Purcell.

 

His performance of Buxtehude’s “Membra Jesu Nostri” was highlighted recently by David Vickers on BBC Radio 3 who commented that "James Gilchrist's sure-footed mellifluous solo is an inch-perfect masterclass in tenor singing …this CD is worth buying just for Gilchrist's delivery of text and the sheer beauty of his soft top G."

 

The Fitzwilliam Quartet (“The playing is exemplary.” Scotland on Sunday) and pianist Anna Tilbrook (“An eloquent partner.” Daily Telegraph) display their substantial talents as accompanists providing flawless support throughout and enhancing Gilchrist’s interpretation.

 

 “On Wenlock Edge” combines the best interpreter of English music with some of the most important pieces of English music from the 20th century. Recommended track: Gurney’s Far in a Western land (track 10) is a beautiful and wistful song with a lullaby-like quality highlighting Gilchrist’s pure tone and impeccable vocal control.

 

Linn Records SACD CKD296