High Voice (24 Songs)-This is the first substantial collection ever published of songs by Virgil Thomson (1896-1989) composer of the operas The Mother of Us All and Four Saints in Three Acts. Thomson's musical style was based inAmericana but he was attracted to abstract poetry. The unique result is traditionalism turned on its ear. The songs date from 1926 until 1974.

Includes versions for High Medium or Low Voice (G F or E flat) with Piano accompaniment. Performance note by Gordon Stewart.Preface:The words for Panis Angelicus are from a longer hymn text Sacris Solemnis written by St Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth century for the newly established Feast of Corpus Christi and would originally have been sung to a plainchant. César Franck set this verse of seven lines in 1872. His deep religious feelings fashioned a memorable melody one which is within the scope of all singers - its range is only a seventh and if you follow the word patterns the breathing sits comfortably. It is in its way simple and direct but with the chance to use the voice to its full. The Latin words are not hard to sing but if you prefer to perform it in English the translation conveys the essential meaning. Franck originally wrote Panis Angelicus for Tenor Cello Harp Organ and Double Bass but it slips easily into the Keyboard arrangement. The colours of the original scoring are evident the Organ's sustained chords the semi-staccato notes for the Harp and the Cello's countermelody beginning in bar 38 (which could be transferred to another melodic instrument if that suits the occasion). Some discreet repetition of the long tied notes and doubling of the bass at the octave can give the Piano more resonance. The accompaniment probably works best with a minimum pedalling and an Organist's style of fingering. The dynamics ask for a triumphant final statement of the words 'pauper servus' in bar 53. It makes complete musical sense to make a diminuendo for the word 'humilis' in bar 56 leading to a thoughtful postlude.

A special collection of songs for High Voice and Piano by the Liverpudlian composer Ian Venables featuring significant settings of a wide variety of texts. The set is introduced by Graham Lloyd who provides a generous and detailed description of the origins and intentions behind each song. With poems by writers as varied as Tennyson Jennifer Andrews Edward Thomas ad Theodore Roethke the settings are also hugely varied in style and mood moving from meditative and gentle to passionate and life-affirming.A rich and unusual source of repertoire for the accomplished performer.

Seven Songs-A suite of seven beautiful songs for High Voice with Piano accompaniment by Gerald Finzi. He has set words by Thomas Hardy again demonstrating his subtle and sensitive setting of poetry. Together Finzi and Hardy formulate evocative pastoral imagery and nostalgia.

A Solo Cantata for High Voice and Piano evoking 'The Morning'. The movements comprise 'The Glittering Sun' 'The Lark' 'The Vilage Up' and 'Oh that on th'enamel'd Green'