Butterworth: Orchestral Works & Works for Voice & Orchestra

Featuring

Kriss Russman
James Rutherford
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
George Butterworth

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Composer Biography

Butterworth was known for his modesty and destroyed several of his music manuscripts that he considered inferior.

Composition History

Butterworth's 'Rhapsody: A Shropshire Lad' is based on musical ideas from his song setting of 'Loveliest of Trees' and is considered his most celebrated orchestral work.

Composition History

The 'Orchestral Fantasia' was left unfinished when Butterworth went to war in 1914, with only a 92-bar manuscript surviving.

Composition History

The 'Six Songs from A Shropshire Lad' established Butterworth's reputation and became a classic in 20th-century British songwriting.

Recording & Production

This album features world premiere recordings of orchestrated versions of 'Six Songs from A Shropshire Lad' and 'Suite for String Quartette' by Kriss Russman, and a completed version of Butterworth's 'Orchestral Fantasia' by Russman.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Butterworth was deeply involved in the folk song movement, transcribing songs from elderly people in rural settings, and formed close friendships with Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams.