Lotte Betts-Dean, the mezzo-soprano on this album, was recently named Young Artist of the Year at the 2024 RPS Awards.
Composition History
The project was inspired by a letter from Thomas Hardy to Gustav Holst, thanking him for setting three of his poems, which was later gifted to Benjamin Britten.
Recording & Production
Many tracks on this album are premiere recordings, including Arthur Keegan's "Elegies for Emma" and "String Quartet No 1 'Elegies for Tom'."
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album explores Thomas Hardy's legacy and his poetic preoccupations, particularly the relentless passing of time and the natural world.
Interpretation
Arthur Keegan's arrangements for voice with guitar and/or string quartet transform original voice and piano songs, with the guitar sometimes evoking a Renaissance lute song.
Recording & Production
Other tracks are premiere recordings of Arthur Keegan's arrangements of existing songs by composers like Derek Holman and Benjamin Britten.
Album & Artwork
This album, "The Past & I: of Thomas Hardy 100 Years," was released to commemorate the centenary of Thomas Hardy's death.
