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I have lived and loved

Plans for this recital began as a comparison of the extent to which folk music influenced the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams and that of his contemporary and friend, Percy Grainger. The album begins with Vaughan Williams's cycle of nine songs: Songs of Travel, accompanied by pianist Penelope Thwaites. Alessandro Fisher sings three songs from Vaughan Williams's operas, with two songs from Vaughan Williams's former pupil, Peggy Glanville-Hicks and two from John Raynor - a composer for whom Vaughan Williams once sponsored a concert, but whose music has not been recorded until now. Percy Grainger contributes six songs and three duets to conclude the album.

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Karl Jenkins | One World

Karl Jenkins’s most recent large-scale work for voices and orchestra - commissioned by the World Choir for Peace and the World Orchestra for Peace. One World deals with a fractured world (populist governments, plagues, climate change, human trafficking, disrespect for basic human rights, terrorism, war) and heralds a vision of a peaceful and egalitarian planet. The work is best encapsulated by one of the texts set: ‘Tikkun Olam’, Hebrew for ‘repair the world.’

Decca

Songs by Sir Hamilton Harty

Although best known today as a composer of orchestral music, Hamilton Harty was also one of the most accomplished accompanists of his generation. It prompted, in turn, his increasing activity as an accomplished song writer.  The 23 featured songs include settings that speak eloquently of Harty’s abiding engagement with his Irish heritage and point, in the technical demands made of vocalist and pianist alike, to his innate understanding of the song form in all its concentrated, emotional power.

Visit Somm Recordings

Elgar | Sea Pictures | The Music Makers

Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO continue their critically acclaimed Elgar project with Sea Pictures and The Music Makers.

Visit Onyx Classics

Parry Judith

The premiere recording of Parry’s Judith, his two-act oratorio of 1888.

Visit Chandos Records

Elgar Orchestral Songs

Orchestral songs by Sir Edward Elgar performed by mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge and baritone Henk Neven – accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Barry Wordsworth. The Hills of Dreamland takes its title from a line in Elgar’s setting of Arthur L Salmon’s text 'Pleading.'

Visit Somm Records

Songs by Eric Coates

Songs by Eric Coates - Kathryn Rudge and Christopher Glynn

“Rudge’s second Somm disc is a revelation – songs by Eric Coates, accompanied (as on the Harty disc) by the pianist Christopher Glynn" The Telegraph

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Love's Old Sweet Song

A recital disc of songs and ballads in English, written between 1823 and 1945 by British composers whose lives were affected by the great war.

“Whether or not you have any interest in English song, if you like exceptionally thoughtful music-making, this album is for you. Rudge’s voice is golden, rich, and even; her diction crystal clear, and her phrasing superb. Baillieu’s playing is warm and supportive. Outstanding performances of every piece; I loved every minute of it.” American Record Guide 
“A whole range of 20th century English song from Novello to Gurney in a finely crafted debut…Kathryn Rudge has a lovely warm yet focussed mezzo-soprano voice and she sings with a combination of line and superb diction.” Robert Hugill 

Champs Hill Records

Gary Carpenter | Set

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra | Clark Rundell

"Gary Carpenter – one of Britain’s most diverse and engaging composers, whose work’s span: dance, film, opera, musicals and concert music, releases a highly anticipated CD of his orchestral works."Kathryn Rudge excels. Sometimes, listening to music can be so devastating on the emotions. There is beauty and solace here.” Classical Source 
“Carpenter orchestrated the original piano versions for the golden-voiced Liverpool-born mezzo Kathryn Rudge especially for this disc; she performs them here with her local orchestra. I last heard this intelligent, probing singer on a fine Hyperion collection of songs by Donald Swann. Her communication of the English language is exemplary–Barrett Browning’s words aren’t exactly tailored for the modern singer – and Carpenter is fortunate indeed to have found another perfect advocate for his art.”  Hanlon 
Nimbus

Songs by Donald Swann

Recordings of Donald Swann songs with distinguished singers Soprano Felicity Lott, Baritone Roderick Williams and Tenor John Mark Ainsley. The project was the brainchild of pianist Christopher Glynn who liaised with baritone Leon Berger, Swann’s Archivist. The CD was released on the Hyperion label on 30th June 2017. Donald Swann will always be remembered as the musical half of the comic duo Flanders & Swann. This two-disc collection celebrates the unique talents of a gifted songwriter.The recording was made in January 2016 at Potton Hall in Suffolk with Producer Jeremy Hayes and Engineered by Ben Connelian.

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Michael Nyman Symphony No.11: Hillsborough Memorial

Commissioned by the Liverpool Biennial 2014, in partnership with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Liverpool Cathedral

World Premiere Performance September 5 2014 at Liverpool Cathedral Michael Nyman Symphony No.11: Hillsborough Memorial pays tribute to the 96 Liverpool football fans who lost their lives in 1989 and for whom Justice has only recently been served.

“Nyman sets the names of the victims to music in the opening movement, ‘The Singing of the Names’, powerfully performed by Liverpool born mezzo-soprano Kathyrn Rudge. The names of the victims will be included within the booklet notes, along with Michael’s own thoughts on the events leading up to the writing of the music. Josep Vicent conducts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in this emotionally charged recording."

Naxos