GERALD FINZI

- Clarinet Concerto *
- Romance for String Orchestra
- Nocturne (New Year Music)
- Dies Natalis (Cantata for Tenor Solo and String Orchestra.) **

ANDREW MARRINER, clarinet *
IAN BOSTRIDGE, tenor **
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS
conducted by Sir NEVILLE MARRINER

CD 454 438-2 DDD
PHILIPS

- Gerald Finzi will perhaps never be regarded as a "major" figure in English music, but in a comparatively small catalogue of works he left several compositions which will provide major musical experiences for listeners who recognise deepley-felt emotion. This CD offers a collection of his greatest works.

- Many regard the Dies Natalis as his masterpiece. It is a very personal work of limpid, flowing music which is a sensitive response to the text of the work - that of Thomas Traherne (1638-74).
This performance features tenor Ian Bostridge, a rising star in the concert world.

- The Clarinet Concerto is a more vigorous, spontaneous and fresh work but full of Finzi's characteristical pastoral writing.