Vocal Music (English) - GURNEY, I. / CARNELL, W. / WATTS, M. / WICKENS, D. (Sappho, Shropshire and Super-Tramp) [S. Leonard, J. Herford, N. Foster]

The title ‘Sappho, Shropshire and Super-Tramp’ reflects three major threads (though not all) in this exceptional album of new English art-song made with the English Poetry and Song Society. Shropshire is represented by several settings from Housman’s ‘A Shropshire Lad’ has been among the most popular sets of poems for composers since its publication in 1896. From the ancient world, Sappho’s writings were set by Ivor Gurney, recently discovered, edited and published by Richard Carder. Super-tramp is the exceptional hobo-turned-gentleman poet W.H. Davies. Altogether 12 composers and 52 songs, some in cycles and some stand-alone items, make this a feast of new and fascinating work for the song lover. Performed by top soloists Sarah Leonard and Johnny Herford, accompanied by Nigel Foster, who has been described as ‘today’s Gerald Moore’.