The Contrast: English Poetry in Song

Soprano Carolyn Sampson and pianist Joseph Middleton perform a varied selection of British songs, all of it setting English poetry, ranging from around 1901 to a century later. Music by Vaughan Willliams, Quilter, Bridge and Walton show the depth of early 20th-century British song, while Huw Watkins's Five Larkin Songs (2010) – written especially for Sampson – create a contemporary counterpoint.

Featuring

Carolyn Sampson
Joseph Middleton
Sir William Walton
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Frank Bridge
Huw Watkins

Roger Quilter

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Composition History

William Walton's A Song for the Lord Mayor's Table was commissioned for the City of London Festival in 1962, using mainly Georgian texts to portray London life.

Album & Artwork

The album title, "The Contrast," reflects the diverse range of English song settings from the last 120 years featured on the recording.

Performer Biography

Joseph Middleton, the pianist, specializes in chamber music and song, performing with renowned artists in prestigious venues globally and serving as director of Leeds Lieder.

Composition History

The music on this album showcases the evolution of British song-writing over a century, with works ranging from 1901-1914 to 2010.

Recording & Production

This Hybrid SACD offers playback in Stereo (CD and SACD) and 5.0 Surround sound (SACD), aiming to reproduce the natural sound of a concert venue.

Performer Biography

Carolyn Sampson, the soprano on this recording, has achieved worldwide success in repertoire from early baroque to contemporary music, performing with major opera companies and orchestras.