Composer: Frederick Delius
Works: Sea Drift, Songs of Farewell, Songs of Sunset
Performers: Sally Burgess (soprano), Bryn Terfel (baritone), Waynflete Singers, Southern Voices, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus / Richard Hickox
Recording: 27-28 February 1993, Wessex Hall, Poole Arts Centre
Label: CHANDOS CHAN 9214 [77.08]
Delius, a figure emblematic of the English pastoral soundscape, often blurs the boundaries between nature’s imagery and the human experience. His works, particularly those from his later period, are imbued with a profound sensitivity to the subtleties of emotional expression and landscape. This Chandos reissue of Richard Hickox’s recording of Delius’s orchestral-choral works, initially released in the early 1990s, reaffirms the importance of this music within the British canon. The performances presented here, particularly of Sea Drift, continue to resonate, offering audiences a rich tapestry of sound that is both intimate and expansive.
Hickox’s interpretation of Sea Drift is marked by an exceptional understanding of Delius’s unique harmonic language and orchestral color. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra responds with nuanced playing, particularly evident in the opening bars, where the lush, impressionistic strings create a fluid atmosphere that draws the listener into Delius’s world. The conductor’s phrasing is meticulously crafted, allowing the music’s ebb and flow to emerge organically. The orchestral ensemble, though often categorized as a regional orchestra, demonstrates an international quality that elevates the performance, especially in the climactic moments where Delius’s characteristic harmonic shifts unfold with breathtaking clarity.
Bryn Terfel’s baritone shines in this recording, bringing a depth of expression that suits the emotional weight of the solo part in Sea Drift. His voice, rich and resonant, navigates the vocal lines with a palpable sense of longing and introspection. However, it is important to note that the placement of the soloists in the recording presents a challenge; they are positioned too prominently in the mix, detracting from the choral textures that are central to the work’s fabric. The Waynflete Singers and Southern Voices provide an admirable backdrop, but their collective sound is occasionally overshadowed by the soloists, which disrupts the delicate balance Delius meticulously crafted. The Songs of Sunset benefits from the pairing of Terfel with soprano Sally Burgess, whose bright tone complements the baritone’s depth, though the sound perspective remains a concern.
The engineering quality of this recording, typical of Chandos’s reputation for excellence, enhances the listening experience. The clarity and warmth of the sound allow for a detailed appreciation of Delius’s intricate orchestration. Each instrumental voice is distinct, yet they blend seamlessly, portraying the composer’s intent to evoke a spiritual unity within the musical dialogue. Despite the commendable sound engineering, the absence of separate cue points for Sea Drift is a minor oversight, as the work’s continuous flow would benefit from clearer navigation through its various phases.
Delius’s late works, particularly the Songs of Farewell, emerged during a period of personal hardship for the composer, as he grappled with blindness and illness. These compositions reflect a poignant introspection, capturing a sense of yearning and acceptance. Andrew Burn’s insightful essay accompanying the recording aptly notes that Delius viewed form as a means of imparting spiritual unity, a concept vividly realized in the fluid transitions between sections of the Songs of Farewell. The final moments of the piece, where the music subsides into a tranquil denouement, evoke the imagery of a departing soul, underscoring Delius’s ability to articulate profound human experiences through sound.
This recording stands as a testament to Richard Hickox’s dedication to British music, and while it may not supplant the benchmarks set by earlier interpretations, it offers a compelling and sensitive engagement with Delius’s oeuvre. The combination of skilled soloists, an accomplished choir, and a responsive orchestra under Hickox’s baton makes for a rewarding experience, one that captures the essence of Delius’s unique musical voice. The artistry displayed here makes this release not only a valuable addition to the Delius discography but also an invitation to explore the depths of emotion that his music so eloquently conveys.
