Burns and Beyond
This recording Burns and Beyond comprises a selection of songs written for voice and modern piano, and includes a performance of Percy Grainger's Three Scotch Folksongs which use ancient tunes of Scotland as inspiration.
There is a certain something in the old Scotch songs, a wild happiness of thought and expression, which peculiarly marks them, not only from English songs, but also from the modern efforts of song-wrights, in our native manner and language- Robert Burns
Each of these art songs, whether in Scots, English or in translation, is based on a melody and/or a poem associated with the 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796). Th is program maps an imperfect and incomplete journey through this lyric song oeuvre, but is one which highlights the richness of talent within the larger community of composers living in 19th and 20th century America, Australia, France, Germany, England and Scotland. Each song has been selected for its meritorious individuality of style, musical language and sensitivity to the inherent meaning of Burns' text.
Artists
Vivien Hamilton
Vivien is currently Lecturer in Voice at Monash University, and conducts the Monash University Women's Choir, also teaching at the University of Melbourne. Her recent work covers many styles and contexts, from the role of Mrs Anderson in the Melbourne Theatre Company's production of Sondheim's A Little Night Music, to her performance as soprano soloist in J.S. Bach's St. John Passion at the Festival of Perth.
Len Vorster
Len Vorster is one of Australia's finest accompanists and is artistic director of Classical Palette (a series of Naxos recordings devoted to contemporary music), of the Schirmer Ensemble, and of Port Fairy Spring Music Festival.
Press quote
“Any Scot worth his or her salt would cherish this CD”
— Margaret McNamara, 4MBS Program Guide
Track Listing
- Ye Banks and Braes Roger Quilter
- A red, red rose Esther Kahn
- Dearie H H Beach
- Polly Steward Ignaz Brüll
- Flow Gently Sweet Afton (Traditional)
- The Deil’s awa’ wi’ the Exciseman (Traditional)
- Wee Willie Gray Claire Liddell
- Will ye gang to the Hielands, Leezie Lindsay? Percy Grainger
- The Highland Balou Benjamin Britten
- Chanson Ecossaise Maurice Ravel
- Hochländisches Wiegenlied Robert Schumann
- Mo Nighean Dubh Percy Grainger
- The Bonny Earl o’ Murray Benjamin Britten
- Si mon amour André Gedalge
- Aye waukin, O! John Maxwell Geddes
- My Heart’s in the Highlands (Traditional)
- O were my love yon lilac fair! H H Beach
- Je dois partir André Gedalge
- Willie’s rare and Willie’s fair John Maxwell Geddes
- Ca’ the Yowes Benjamin Britten
- O gin I were where Gadie rins Percy Grainger
- Rien que soucis André Gedalge
- Ae Fond Kiss (Traditional)
- Far Awa’! H H Beach
- Comin’ thro’ the Rye Claire Liddell
- Bonnie Wee Thing Liza Lehmann
Performers
- Vivien Hamilton · soprano · all except tracks 8, 12 and 21
- Len Vorster · piano · all except track 23
Composers
Percy Grainger
Percy Aldridge Grainger (1882-1961) is one of Australia's best known composers. A brilliant arranger of folk music but also a pioneer in percussion and electronic music, Grainger's Warriors was recently heard in the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Benjamin Britten
Edward Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976) was an English composer, conductor, and pianist. Britten's operas are firmly established in the international repertoire. He has more operas played worldwide than any other composer born in the 20th century.
Maurice Ravel
Many consider Ravel as a major composer for the piano as well as a genius of orchestration. But it is always a surprise to discover how few works make up his total output for the instrument. All his compositions for piano can be performed in under two and one half hours.
Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann was a German composer, aesthete and influential music critic. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most representative composers of the Romantic era.
Where to buy
Burns and Beyond is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.
Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.
