COLOURISE

Ochird Classics通算200枚目のリリースとなるアルバムは、イギリスを代表する作曲家たちの作品を集めた1枚です。合唱が盛んな英国らしい選曲はもちろんのこと、2022年のヴォーン・ウィリアムズ生誕150年を記念するアルバムにもなっています。
冒頭に置かれたヴォーン・ウィリアムズの「5つの神秘的な歌」は弦楽とピアノの伴奏によるバリトンを伴う合唱のための編曲。これは作曲家自身のアレンジで、このヴァージョンは世界初録音となります。英国歌曲でおなじみ、ベテランのバリトン歌手ロデリック・ウィリアムズがソリストを務めました。アンドルー・ステイプルズが歌うレノックス・バークリーの「オーランド・ギボンズの賛歌による変奏曲」も世界初録音。約70年前のオールドバラ音楽祭で初演され、ブリテンが「素敵な作品」と称賛した曲です。ウォーロックの人気作「カプリオール組曲」が続き、最後はオーケストラのパートを合唱が歌うという驚きのアレンジによる「揚げひばり」で締めくくられます。
ナクソス・ジャパン

This release by the London Choral Sinfonia is quite a bit more unusual than it might at first appear. Yes, the familiar The Lark Ascending of Vaughan Williams closes out the program, yet look more closely: its a new version, arranged in 2019 by Paul Drayton for violin, singers, and orchestra. There is a wordless choir at the beginning, and then the voices introduce the poem that inspired Vaughan Williams to create his immortal bird. It may not replace the original Lark Ascending, but the presence of the poem is intriguing. Two other works on the program are also new: Lennox Berkeleys Brittenesque Variations of a Hymn by Orlando Gibbons here receives its recorded premiere, and the version of Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs for voices, strings, and piano is also a premiere. This work, which ironically enough has real mystic exultation despite Vaughan Williams atheist status, exists in several versions, all of them, including this one, made by the composer. Its probably most familiar in the version for baritone and piano alone, but the wash of strings is subtle, and the choir is used sparingly and attractively. Baritone Roderick Williams is in excellent form here. The only work presented in its familiar form is Peter Warlocks neo-Renaissance Capriol Suite, and this is far from a common item. The light, peppy performance from the Sinfonia is noteworthy, and in general, the performances are at a very high level, benefiting from the London Choral Sinfonias dual function. This album is a gem that will be welcomed by lovers of 20th century English music. ~ James Manheim