Richard Blackford: Mirror of Perfection; Vision of a Garden

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Shipping time: In stock | Expected delivery 1-2 days | Free UK Delivery

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Lyrita is releasing two of Richard Blackford’s choral works, Mirror of Perfection and Visions of a Garden both conducted by David Hill. Mirror of Perfection is performed by Britten Sinfonia, with soloists Elizabeth Watts (soprano) and Roderick Williams (baritone). The words, with the exception of the Canticle of The Creatures, are settings of almost unknown poems by St Francis of Assisi. They cover a wide expressive and emotional range: from hope to despair, longing to acceptance, love to bitterness, delight in Creation to an impassioned plea for peace amongst mankind. The cantata is no pious word-setting of an ancient saint rather it is a passionate and vibrant evocation of a man who remains a symbol of hope for millions of all faiths. Visions of a Garden is performed by the Bach Choir and the Philharmonia Orchestra, performing with soloist Stephen Gadd (baritone). Premiered at Festival Hall in October 2021, Vision of a Garden, echoes ICU nurses during Covid19. This work reflects on the personal experiences of both patients and nursing staff in dealing with the Covid crisis, set to texts of medical diaries and of the experiences of Peter Johnstone that tell the story of his delirium, crisis, and recovery from his time in hospital. Richard Blackford is one of the foremost choral composers in Europe and his much-acclaimed Pietà, a rework of the Stabat Mater, won the Ivor Novello Composer Award in 2020 for the Choral Category. World renowned Tenor Jonas Kaufmann writes of Pietà: "Richard Blackford has created an outstanding choral work: a passionate and personal tribute in memory of all who suffer from violence, suppression and political persecution, which has deeply impressed me. Finally, a modern composer who is not afraid of writing beautiful and touching music!"