As a composer Donald Swann was more prolific, more varied, than might be imagined from those who only know him as half of the Flanders and Swann comedy duo. Fascinated by the Greek islands and particularly Casos, on which he found both peace and disquiet, he used Greek folksong and popular melodies as the basis for these joyful yet thoughtful songs, orchestrated by John Jansson. BONUS: The Casos Sonnets, which form a separate subset, were never performed in Donald's lifetime. We are very fortunate to have secured a tape of these pieces, made by Donald for his own use on his beloved Bluthner piano at his Battersea home, and this CD includes this rare and valuable recording.

Tracklist:

Casos Sonnet I - Far, Far Off In The Distance
Samiotissa (---)
Miranda (-----)
Pes Mou Ti (------)
Casos Sonnet II - I've Always Feared The Night Before Dawn
The Women Of Souli (---)
Casiot Journey (-----)
The Favours (------)
Casos Sonnet III - With Only A Red Night Light As My Pen (----)
Anatoli (------)
Nanourisma (--------)
Casos Sonnet IV - When Shall I Land On You, Distant Island (------)
Militsa (------)
Nikotsaras (--)
Casos Sonnet V - Casos, Today I'm Writing You A Letter (------)
The Shepherdess (-------)
Idle Tears (-------)
Casos Sonnet VI - So Far You're Licking Me, Casos, For Real (------)
The Isles Of Greece (-----)
Casos Sonnet VII - Everywhere Is Casos (-----)
Casos Sonnet I (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet II (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet III (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet IV (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet V (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet VI (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet VII (Rehearsal)
Casos Sonnet VIII (Rehearsal)

UPC: 5028117501024
Label: Divine Art
Release Date: 10.24.06
Format: CD

John Jansson - Isles of Greece (CD)