Hugh Wood's song cycle Wild Cyclamen, commissioned by the BBC and the Royal Philharmonic Society, was premiered in 2006 and won a British Composers Award.
Composition History
The Isles of Greece, a set of songs by Hugh Wood, was reconceived and rewritten after an initial false start, eventually being commissioned by the Finzi Friends and premiered in 2007.
Composer Biography
Hugh Wood, the composer, began his musical journey by setting lyrics from poets like A.E. Housman, W.H. Auden, and C. Day Lewis, which led to a set for chorus and piano performed at Oxford.
Recording & Production
The recording of 'The Isles of Greece' took place at the Michael Tippett Centre, Bath Spa University, in February 2014, while the other songs were recorded at All Saints Church, East Finchley, London, in June and November 2014.
Composition History
The Laurie Lee Songs, featured on this album, were composed by Hugh Wood between 1956 and 1958, reflecting his early musical discoveries and appreciation for Laurie Lee's poetry.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hugh Wood's settings of D.H. Lawrence's poems, such as 'Roses on the Breakfast Table' and 'Gloire de Dijon,' were inspired by the painter Bonnard's works, with one of Bonnard's paintings even appearing on the CD cover.
