Wigmore Live: Songs by Tchaikovsky, Musorgsky and Rorem

Gerald Finley writes: “It is with great sense of pride that this disc becomes the 25th release of the Wigmore Live series, in a musical partnership I have enjoyed for many years with Julius Drake. Performing at the Wigmore is always a highlight of any career. The others in the series are distinguished performers I have admired for years and the performances are wonderful. The audiences at the Wigmore are always welcoming and knowledgeable, and this atmosphere is captured perfectly. Already a fine catalogue, I hope the Wigmore Live series continues its honour roll”
Critically praised for his performances both on stage and in concert, this recital of American and Russian song by Gerald Finley offers listeners the rare opportunity to hear one of today’s most in-demand baritones within the beautiful, intimate setting of the Wigmore Hall.
After a recital at Carnegie Hall in March, 2007, Finley was praised by New York Times critic Bernard Holland as having a “bass-baritone of easy luxury” and that his “sensibilities begin with the pre-eminence of words.”
His recording of Stanford’s Songs of the Sea and Songs of the Fleet with Richard Hickox and the BBC NOW for Chandos received the Editor’s Choice Award at the 2006 Classic FM Gramophone Awards.
Performed with: Julius Drake, piano
October 2008
Wigmore Live
Tracklisting
Tchaikovsky: Serenada Don-Zhuana (Don Juan’s Serenade), Op. 38 No. 1
Tchaikovsky: To bilo ranneyu vesnoy (It happened in the early spring), Op. 38 No. 2
Tchaikovsky: Sred’ shumnogo bala (Amid the din of the ball), Op. 38 No. 3
Tchaikovsky: By Day Or By Night
Tchaikovsky: The Mild Stars Shone For Us
Tchaikovsky: Only one who knows longing
Tchaikovsky: As over burning Embers
Serenade
Trepak
The Field Marshall
Rorem: War Scenes
A Night Case
Specimen Case
An Incident
Inauguration Ball
The Real War Will Never Get In The Books
Ives, C: Announcement
Ives, C: Memories (A) And (B)
Rautavaara: Announcement
Rautavaara: Shall I compare thee
Charles Wolseley: Announcement
Charles Wolseley: The Green-Eyed Dragon