James Gilchrist

The Times states, '...as an interpreter of English song, Gilchrist is often in a class by himself'; James’ hugely popular series of works by Finzi, Vaughan Williams, Gurney and Britten have proved this is the case. This special 3-disc collection brings together his finest recordings to date.

This collection includes the premiere recording of Gurney’s masterpiece Ludlow & Teme using the composer’s revised and corrected version which the composer declared to be his favourite.

It also includes the first modern recording of Leighton’s Earth, Sweet Earth since the original recording by Neil Mackie for whom the work was written.

All of Gilchrist’s recordings with Linn have been highly acclaimed; ‘On Wenlock Edge’ was a Finalist in the ‘Solo Vocal Album of the Year’ category at the 2008 Gramophone Awards and ‘Oh Fair to See’ was named a ‘Benchmark Recording’ by BBC Music.

James Gilchrist is a sought-after recitalist whose voice has been described as pure and sensitive with an even and beautiful tone.

Pianist Anna Tilbrook (‘an eloquent partner’ Daily Telegraph) displays her substantial talents as an accompanist providing flawless support to long-term performing partner James.

Also featured in this collection are Michael Cox (flute), Gareth Hulse (cor anglais) and The Fitzwilliam String Quartet.

Recording Country: United Kingdom

Recording Location: 27 July-8 August 2001/Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Mix Date: 8 Aug 2001

Producer : John Fraser

Balance Engineer : Arne Akselberg/Philip Hobbs

Editor : Julia Thomas

Assistant Engineer : Calum Malcolm

Source No: 5572602

This recording marks a significant event in the Hyperion catalogue. Not only is Frank Martin’s wonderful three-act opera Der Sturm the first full-length live opera recording on the Hyperion label, it is also a rarely staged important twentieth century masterpiece.

Based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this groundbreaking performance was given by the impressive Netherlands Radio Philharmonic under the baton of Thierry Fischer. The orchestra unfailingly matches the energy and passion of the performers on stage who make up an impressive cast. Robert Holl conveys a magisterial Prospero, Simon O’Neill is Ferdinand, Dennis Wilgenhof is Caliban, Christine Buffle sings Miranda and James Gilchrist makes an appearance as Antonio.

Written towards the end of his life, and taking almost three years to complete, Der Sturm emerges as one Martin’s most inventive works. The composer has synthesized all his experience in order to do full justice to the shimmering facets of the original play. This rare opportunity to hear the full opera in its original language is not to be missed.

Between 1999 and 2006, the legendary baroque music specialist Ton Koopman brought together a stunning array of singers to record the complete cantatas of J S Bach alongside his own Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir. Released originally mostly in 3CD sets, this wonderful cycle is now being made available by Challenge Classics in its entirety. The 67 separate CDs have now been gathered together in a box with a booklet that includes a complete tracklisting and information about each recording.

Along the way these releases were acclaimed throughout the world, and received many major music prizes, including a BBC Music Magazine Award in 2006 for Volume 22 (CC72222). Featured soloists include most of the great modern day interpreters of the music of Bach’s time.