Far reaches of the mind (with full programme)
Unknowable, intangible, impossible worlds
Exploring worlds that can only be visited in the mind: idyllic landscapes and fantasy worlds of enchantment, magic and terror; miniature societies of fairies, insects and animals; long-lost lands of childhood and better times, visited only in memories; parallel universes conjured up by grief and frustrated desires; encounters with the world of the dead.
Variations: two recitals, separate or as a series (see download below); the first a search for encounters with fantastical beings – elves, witches and ghosts; the second looking at worlds which reflect our more tangible reality – worlds of exoticism, nostalgia, nature and spirituality.
You can take a look at two separate full-length recitals based on this programme by downloading the files below:
Horn, Voice and Piano – sound and song (with full programme and programme notes)
Two contrasting works for horn, voice and piano – Arnold Cooke’s beautiful Nocturnes and Schubert’s well-loved Auf dem Strom – inspire a rich and varied programme of landscapes and soundscapes.
Sounds travel through forests and over mountains – a repeating horn call, the wise and witty winds, a mysterious, faint melody – bringing ever-unanswered questions and sweet frustrations. Journeys begin with final goodbyes, the moment of parting imprinting itself in the lovers’ memories. Flora and fauna, embodiments of pure desire and joy, offer delight and inspiration. Night approaches and nature’s hidden life awakens, a realm often imagined but rarely observed by human eyes.
You can see the full programme and programme notes by downloading the file below:
Horn, Voice and Piano – sound and song
We performed this programme in November 2010 with Lisa Ford in the Gothenburg Symphony Hall.
Moments in Time
A multi-lingual journey through time, with three alternative programmes:
A Sundial of Song follows the passage of the sun on a particular day of the year. Every hour brings a new song; of work and play, of love and loss, of magic and merriment (German, French and English Song).
The Schubert Society of London commissioned a Sundial of Song programme for 20th May 2012 – here is the full programme listing including a timeline and song texts.
From Sunset to Sunrise visits magical twilights and evening scenes of domestic merriment and lullabies, before eavesdropping on lovers during the night hours, their special time, their domain…
The Lover’s Night explores the experience of love and lovers from the beginning of twilight till daybreak; anticipation and flirtation, longing, lonliness and loss, dreams, intimacy and passion, serenades and secret . .
English Song Year by Year
A strictly chronological voyage through English Song, exploring contrasts and similarities between musical styles and subject matter. Famous songs alternate with lesser-known gems, favoured poets come and go and recurring themes reflect the shifting zeitgeist.
Variations – Covering a period of a few years or many decades; focusing on particular themes or specific poets; contrasting English with American song; including or excluding folksong and cabaret/show.
Our Poetical Companions
The poet is never alone – everything in the surrounding world is endowed with personality, voice and agency. Birds, flowers, rivers and winds send messages and warnings; they mock, complain and plead, bringing wisdom, fear and consolation… and thus reveal their inner lives and personalities.
Variations – A mixture of languages (including Russian and Spanish), or a focus on one particular language – English, German or French.