The programme performed here by baritone Christopher Maltman and pianist Joseph Middleton was born whilst Maltmann was studying at the Royal Academy of Music. The compositions have been selected to form a coherent but flexible narrative that produces a touching memoir to all those affected by war. One composer chosen for the record, George Butterworth, was a casualty of the First World War: in September 1915 he want to the trenches and was killed, aged 31, in the Battle of the Somme on 5th August 1916. The use of his composition, A Shropshire Lad, is touching in this instance. It gives the listener a more sensitive perspective of the loss in World War One, almost allowing the listener to see the faces of those who passed away, most of whom were young 'lads' from various parts of the country.

Tracklist:

6 Songs From A Shropshire Lad: I. Loveliest Of Trees
Black Stitchel
A Shropshire Lad, Ias 20: VI. On The Idle Hill Of Summer
6 Songs From A Shropshire Lad: III. Look Not Into My Eyes
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Wo Die Schoenen Trompeten Blasen
3 Melodies, Op. 23: I. Les Berceaux
Three Songs Of War: II. He Is There!
A Shropshire Lad, Ias 20: VII. White In The Moon
Severn Meadows
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Revelge
Songs And Dances Of Death: IV. The Field-Marshall
In Flanders
A Shropshire Lad, Ias 20: VIII. Think No More, Lad
Romances And Ballads, Vol. II, Op. 49: I. Die Beiden Grenadiere
Mörike-Lieder: V. Der Tambour
5 Lieder, Op. 40: III. Der Soldat
Before And After Summer, Op. 16: V. Channel Firing
A Shropshire Lad, Ias 20: IX. Into My Heart An Air That Kills
6 Songs From A Shropshire Lad: II. When I Was One And Twenty
6 Songs From A Shropshire Lad: V. The Lads In Their Hundreds
6 Songs From A Shropshire Lad: VI. Is My Team Ploughing?
La Courte Paille, Fp. 178: VII. Lune D'avril
We'll To The Woods No More: II. In Boyhood

UPC: 635212059227
Label: Signum Classics
Release Date: 11.15.19
Format: CD

Soldier / Various - Soldier (CD)