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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkably charming songs from another forgotten master, 18 Jan 2008
In the popular imagination, there is a crude assumption that between Purcell and Elgar, there was a neglible amount of music by Englishmen that is of any merit, let alone music worth recording. Thankfully, this inaccurate view is being challenged by many in the musical world, in attempt to build up a more rounded and continuous view of English musical history. Sir Henry Rowley Bishop (1786-1855) is a prime example - a composer that highly esteemed in the early 19th century (known as the 'English Mozart'), but who has been neglected except for a couple of songs ('Home sweet home' has ensured he has never been completely forgotten). One remarkable fact abour of his life is that he initially trained to be a jockey at Newmarket, but could not become one on account of his size. Thank goodness he was a composer instead! This CD makes an ambitious attempt to reintroduce a particular aspect of Henry Bishop's works: songs or arias composed as incidental music to Shakespeare plays at Covent Garden. These songs reveal the work of a highly inventive and original composer, who had clearly mastered the classical style - a worthy contemporary of Rossini and Bellini. Bishop is able to evoke various emotions and feelings in each different song, and his music shows the clear influence of Mozart's operas. His sound orchestration employs varied timbres, depending on the mood of the music. 'Welcome to this place' is a beautiful evocation of calm and serenity, whilst 'Lo here the gentle lark' is more jubilant, with a wonderfully soaring prominent flute part. The charming 'Should he upbraid' is greatly enhanced by a fortepiano accompaniment. 'That time of year' and 'Oh! never say I was false of heart' are reminiscent of earlier Rossini, whilst 'Hark, hark, each spartan hound', with its prominent horns, sounds like a majestic hunting chorus. Mozart's influence is particularly evident in 'Sing willow' and 'Take, oh! take those lips away' - they have a pleasing grace and ease of character. 'Orpheus with his lute' likewise has a satisfying melodiousness - the words 'in sweet music is such love', which appear in this duet, are entirely appropriate. The final track 'Spirits advance' is intensely dramatic, and is almost like the finale of an opera, with its aria and recitative - listen for the delightful piano flourish.
Henry Bishop was clearly a highly accomplished composer, who deserves more attention. He was clearly influenced by Arne, Mozart and Rossini, but is a truly individual composer, and his music is by no means imitative. It is certainly very satisfying to listen to. It is therefore somewhat disappointing that this CD is the only recording of his music. It would be wonderful to revive one of his many operas - he even wrote a 'Waterloo' cantata. If you do purchase this CD, which I highly recommend, I hope you will agree that Henry Bishop was a fine composer, who is worthy of more attention than he recieves at present.
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