16th June 2007

Linn Records releases 'On Wenlock Edge'

Linn Records is delighted to announce the release of its second solo recording with one of Britain’s finest tenors: James Gilchrist. On Wenlock Edge succeeds the critically acclaimed Oh Fair To See (Linn CKD 253) which received numerous outstanding commendations following its release in 2005. On Wenlock Edge presents James Gilchrist – a leading figure in English song interpretation – in an attentive exploration of the works of Vaughan Williams, Warlock, Bliss and Gurney.

Vaughan Williams’ song cycle On Wenlock Edge – set to words by Alfred Edward Housman – was an innovation in English music. Composed shortly after a visit to Paris, under the guidance of Ravel, the French influence is apparent. This, combined with the original scoring of the piano quintet as the accompanying ensemble, inspired a new style of song; and a new generation of composers.

On Wenlock Edge also came as a revelation to Ivor Gurney. Inspired and directly influenced by Vaughan Williams, Gurney composed Ludlow and Teme – again set to words by Housman – upon hearing this masterpiece. Although Ludlow and Teme enjoyed 'spontaneous success' upon its premiere Gurney proceeded to amend the work – this recording being the first performance of the revised publication which, in quoting Gurney, offers "enormous improvement".

In this album James Gilchrist also performs the Warlock masterpiece The Curlew. Warlock’s unique orchestration for flute, cor anglais and string quartet set to a selection of poems by William Butler Yeats is widely regarded as his finest work, this, in spite of the tense and somewhat fraught relationship between the composer and the poet.

The final work in this stunning album is the beautifully anguished Elegiac Sonnet. This work, set by Arthur Bliss to an emotive poem by Cecil Day Lewis is a poignant tribute to the talented pianist Noel Mewton-Wood. Due to the personal and somewhat tragic nature of this memorial Elegiac Sonnet is not as often performed as it deserves and therefore makes a refreshing contribution to this exceptional album.

Available to download now at www.linnrecords.com