ROMANCE FOR TENOR AND STRINGS

Homosexuality has long inspired authors and poets alike, though few have painted it with the humanity and sensitivity of Richard Barnfield. While his contemporaries speak of such love in ambiguous Grecian metaphor, Barnfield’s sonnets read as if spun directly from the narrator’s heart. Five of the twenty said sonnets have been set for this orchestral cycle, forging a deeply moving narrative about a young man’s intensely amorous feelings toward a friend; from his initial realisation and volcanic eruption of love, to his innermost fantasies and final valiant confession.

This cycle has been written for high lyric-tenor, harnessing the youthful vibrance of a brilliant top-register whilst calling for a romantic bloom in the middle of the voice. It is scored alongside string orchestra, providing both an atmospheric accompaniment and a deeper commentary to the journey of the narrator.

THE HIDDEN PLACE

Nature inspires love, love inspires poetry and poetry inspires music.

A return collaboration with German soprano Diana Damrau, this English language orchestral song cycle sets poems written by the soprano’s aunt, retired opera singer Christa Palmer. They speak of the furtive, precious moments shared by two lovers deep in the heart of a woodland; moments which span the four seasons.

Scored for full orchestra, the cycle of the seasons is deftly coloured both in terms of instrumentation and the writing of Ms. Damrau’s vocal line, challenging both cliché and one’s aural expectation of the seasons.

A LONDON DIURNE

This orchestral cycle charts the passage of a London day as witnessed by the eyes, ears and pen of Wordsworth, Wilde, Buchanan and le Gallienne.

Starting with an icy dawn overlooking the city from Westminster Bridge, the day and Thames slowly awaken to the deafening din of life. Then, when all business comes to an end, the city pauses for breath at dusk to re-awaken in nocturnal vivacity. The Thames acts as both muse and companion to each of the poets; its mood and colour altering to reflect the changing hour of the day.

Written for British baritone Christopher Maltman, the vocal writing harnesses this most versatile of voices, from the softest whisper ushering in the dew of the morning to the loud cries of the characters of London’s streets.