Gerald Finzi (1901–56) has come to embody the lyrical pastoralism so associated with English 20-century music. This anthology includes eight critically acclaimed recordings of Finzi’s works.
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Review highlights of some of the previously released individual CDs in this set:
Tim Hugh's offers a lucid, thoughtful, penetrating account of the reflective and often elusive Cello Concerto. Donohoe's direct, un-mannered treatment of the Eclogue results in a finely controlled performance that casts ample light on the text without sentimentalizing it. Donohoe's account of the Grand Fantasia and Toccata is keenly incisive.
Intelligent and emotional engagement with the words, sharply delineated syllabic enunciation even at volume, wondrous breath control and steady tonal production (Dies natalis).
This disc represents an easy first choice in Finzi's Intimations of Immortality, one of the masterpieces of the English choral literature. David Hill has one advantage over everyone: his is simply the most exciting performance available, not just a function of swift tempos, but also in terms of the acuity and enthusiasm of the instrumental response to the music's bold contrasts and driving climaxes.
