BENJAMIN BRITTEN

My Beloved Is Mine

1. On This Island, Op. 11 - Let the florid music praise!

2. On This Island, Op. 11 - Now the leaves are falling fast

3. On This Island, Op. 11 - Seascape ‘For Kit Welford’

4. On This Island, Op. 11 - Nocturne

5. On This Island, Op. 11 - As it is, plenty

6. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - Oh my Black soule!

7. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - Batter my heart

8. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - O might those sighes and teares

9. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - Oh, to vex me

10. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - What if this present

11. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - Since she whom I loved

12. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - At the round earth’s imagined corners

13. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - Thou hast made me

14. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35 - Death, be not proud

15. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - Si come nella penna e nell’inchiostro

16. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - A che piu debb’io mai l’intensa voglia

17. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - Veggio co’ bei vostri occhi un dolce lume

18. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - Tu sa’ ch’io so, signior mie, che tu sai

19. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - Rendete a gli occhi miei, o fonte o fiume

20. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - S’un casto amor, s’una pieta superna

21. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22 - Spirto ben nato, in cui si specchia e vede

22. Canticle I ‘My Beloved is Mine’, Op. 40

James Gilchrist (tenor)

Anna Tilbrook (piano)

The greatly sought-after tenor, James Gilchrist, continues his highly acclaimed exploration of British song with his new recording of Benjamin Britten works.

His 2010 recording of Leighton Earth, Sweet Earth…(laudes terrae) and Britten Winter Words was called ‘outstandingly accomplished’ by Gramophone

‘On This Island’ is strikingly fresh and Gilchrist sings these beautiful poems with a graceful insight.

Contrasting this opening set, Gilchrist gives a moving and heartfelt performance of Britten’s dark and profound song cycle ‘The Holy Sonnets of John Donne’.

My Beloved is Mine ends with what Peter Pears called ‘Britten’s finest piece of vocal music to date’; a psalm-like poem with energetically evolving rhythms and beautiful harmonies.

James Gilchrist has appeared with many of the world’s prestigious ensembles and under several leading conductors; he recently performed with Retrospect Ensemble for their recording with Linn Records, J. S. Bach Easter & Ascension Oratorios.

James is sought after for operatic roles, ensemble performances and as a respected recitalist.

Anna Tilbrook is one of Britain's most exciting pianists, with a considerable reputation in song recitals and chamber music. She made her debut at Wigmore Hall in 1999 and has since become a regular performer at Europe’s major concert halls and festivals.

James Gilchrist press:

‘His enunciation is superb, his melodic phrasing is always wonderfully musical...’ BBC Music Magazine

‘As an interpreter of English song, Gilchrist is often in a class by himself’. The Times

‘James Gilchrist's singing and Anna Tilbrook's piano accompaniments are all that can be wished for’. MusicWeb International

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