Various Artists - Playing on the Edge - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Various Artists - Music / Various [COMPACT DISCS] date 04/23/2002

On Wenlock Edge combines the best interpreter of English song with some of the most important pieces from the 20th century repertory. Upon the album stayed in the UK classical charts for six weeks in a row and was a Finalist at the 2008 Gramophone Awards. 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 the 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 favorite Inchthe alterations are simple (and striking).Inch Peter Warlock's The Curlew and Arthur Bliss's Elegiac Sonnet, completes this beautiful collection. The Fitzwilliam String Quartet and pianist Ann Tilbrook display their substantial talents as accompanists providing flawless support and enhancing Gilchrist's interpretation.

Janet Sung writes of her new InchEdge of Youth represents a time when one starts to discover a new, more mature version of their own voice or self. We find confidence in that voice when we allow ourselves to go to the InchedgeInch of what is known or comfortable. Brought up steeped in the traditions of classical music, and deeply influenced by some of the greatest violinists of the Inchold worldInch, this album represents some of that artistic journey for me. In curating this collection of works by masters Britten, Enescu and three young, dynamic living composers, Missy Mazzoli, Dan Visconti and Gabriel Prokofiev, I gravitated toward works that were striking to me and in some ways unexpected-whether it was a new sound world, a new perspective on an old familiar work, or the surprising way certain works profoundly grew in their impact. Each of these works are dramatic, visceral; even ethereal and otherworldly. Some also have moments of soaring lyricism and intimacy. They both embrace and challenge classical traditions, consciously or subconsciously. With their craft and unique sense of style, these composers challenge the artist to forget about the technicalities of the instrument-asking them to become a storyteller through nuance, shading, and color. Taking in all of our personal influences, we hopefully take flight into our own artistic vision. These works have taken me on a journey that I will continue to traverse.Inch