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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Essential Façade: A 20th Century Landmark
16 Aug 2011
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Edith Sitwell described Façade as "abstract poems" and "enquiries into the effect on rhythm, and on speed, of the use of rhymes, assonances and dissonances." One friend of mine, upon hearing the Walton/Sitwell opus, said that it sounded like rap. Whatever you call it, it is a uniquely joyful listening experience.
This original 1954 recording of Façade, with the poems recited by Dame Edith herself and by Sir Peter Pears, is a welcome return to the CD catalog. The 1981 Decca recording by Peggy Ashcroft and Jeremy Irons is good--but not quite as good as this one. (The Decca and Chandos recordings also include Façade 2--eight poems not included in the "canonical" version--but I find the pendant far less interesting and appealing.) Although not specified on the disc or brochure, this recording is, I think, monaural, but you would hardly recognize it as such. The digitally remastered sound of the narrators and chamber ensemble seems like it was recorded much more recently.
The disc also contains fine recordings of three other works by William Walton, including the Orb and Sceptre march, as well as marches by Arnold Bax and Arthur Bliss. But it's the recording of Façade that makes this release absolutely essential.
(Sitwell's poem "Still Falls the Rain" was set by Benjamin Britten as his Canticle III. Recalling the German air raids of 1940, it is as profound as Façade is delightfully superficial. Both, though, are landmarks of 20th century poetry and music. I recommend the composer's own recording, Britten: The Canticles 1-5, etc..)
This original 1954 recording of Façade, with the poems recited by Dame Edith herself and by Sir Peter Pears, is a welcome return to the CD catalog. The 1981 Decca recording by Peggy Ashcroft and Jeremy Irons is good--but not quite as good as this one. (The Decca and Chandos recordings also include Façade 2--eight poems not included in the "canonical" version--but I find the pendant far less interesting and appealing.) Although not specified on the disc or brochure, this recording is, I think, monaural, but you would hardly recognize it as such. The digitally remastered sound of the narrators and chamber ensemble seems like it was recorded much more recently.
The disc also contains fine recordings of three other works by William Walton, including the Orb and Sceptre march, as well as marches by Arnold Bax and Arthur Bliss. But it's the recording of Façade that makes this release absolutely essential.
(Sitwell's poem "Still Falls the Rain" was set by Benjamin Britten as his Canticle III. Recalling the German air raids of 1940, it is as profound as Façade is delightfully superficial. Both, though, are landmarks of 20th century poetry and music. I recommend the composer's own recording, Britten: The Canticles 1-5, etc..)
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