Credits:

Roderick Williams, Yves Daniel, Simon Rapper

Description:

John Pickard is one of the leading contemporary British composers. Perhaps because of his strong style, he is mainly known for his orchestral works, but his smaller orchestral works, such as those on this album, also have their own unique drama and are highly enjoyable to listen to. The texts chosen are poems by Lawrence Bignon and Edward Thomas, two poets active in the first half of the 20th century, both of whom express the tragic shadow of World War I and the praise of nature. Pickard carefully blends these poems with music and adds beautiful piano accompaniment to create an exquisite work. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Binyon Songs: I. Nature
2.Binyon Songs: II. Sowing Seed
3.Binyon Songs: III. Autumn Song
4.Binyon Songs: IV. When all the world is hidden
5.Binyon Songs: V. The Burning of the Leaves
6.The Phoenix
7.The Borders of Sleep: I. Tall Nettles
8.The Borders of Sleep: II. The Trumpet
9.The Borders of Sleep: III. The Mill-Water
10.The Borders of Sleep: IV. Out in the Dark
11.The Borders of Sleep: V. The Gallows
12.The Borders of Sleep: VI. Rain
13.The Borders of Sleep: VII. No One Cares Less Than I
14.The Borders of Sleep: VIII. Last Poem (The Sorrow of True Love)
15.The Borders of Sleep: IX. Lights Out