Gerald Finzi - Dies Natalis

[@maggievoigt6055]

From the first moment that I heard this amazing and magic piece by Finzi, it touched my heart to the core, and made it soar up into the realm of the mysteries of which the text speaks. I have listened to most versions but Wilfred Brown for me is the only singer who weaves the words and music together so that they resonate perfectly. And so listening to this recording becomes a joyful and intense spiritual experience. But every time I grieve the early loss of this wonderful voice. Only wish I had seen him sing live.

[@jeancharlton9079]

Yes - a lovely, gentle man and this was evident in the way he sang. I was fortunate to see and hear him during the Three Choirs Festivals at Worcester as a chorus member.

[@wilsonbrownofficial2828]

Finzi’s music is gorgeous.

[@rachelbarlow9382]

The best voice for English Song of this period: peerless

[@pauldavies8535]

Oh .. the wonderful Wilfred Brown. Matchless beauty and sentiment of a byegone era. He was such a wonderful master of language and delivery and incredibly humble with it.

[@christophernunn943]

agreed and a much better bygone era where honesty/integrity and standards played an important part in peoples lives..all but gone in our sad age.

[@marinapegrisch1305]

How well put😇!

[@Marjorie-yt7pb]

​@@christophernunn943yes! Beautifully said 🎉😢

[@rachelbarlow9382]

A unique voice - words clearly sung and beautifully shaped - he was the most distinguished tenor of his generation, and a wonderful person!

[@jimmymack4079]

This is the best recording of the best piece of modernist music ever made

[@kevinjones560]

Excellent with gravy 😋

[@davidpollak8801]

I agree with the other comments. The best baritone for Finzi is the late John Carol Carol, who was coached in the songs by the composer. John was my singing teacher, and it was wonderful when he said things like "Gerald said it should go like this"....

[@renzo6490]

I generally need to hear a complex musical composition many times before I feel its effects. That was certainly the case with the second movement of Finzi's Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra. Now, I love it !! On the strength of that experience with Finzi, I will listen to this piece again and again.

[@originaltommy]

Try the second movement of the Cello Concerto. It'll melt you. It's devastatingly beautiful.

[@johns-mylifesmagic4774]

Thank you. This recording has a particular clarity of diction, tone and expression which is quite personal and direct. I haven't heard it before and enjoyed it.

[@rogersmith3250]

I completely agree with all you've written John. I just wish that I had listened more to the third program 50 yrs ago when Wilfred Brown pieces were broadcast regularly. Unfortunately I was appreciating Walter Midgley who was in very short supply back then. Brown and Finzi go so well together as did Pears and Britten and Lewis and Elgar. Such joy listening to such beautiful music.

[@ademardechabannes]

Fabulous performance!

[@estevaoribeiro1172]

Bravíssimo!!! Deus mora nesta música!

[@knowone3529]

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[@mariorossi9655]

10:38

[@ChrisBreemer]

Wonderful music, with an affectionate nod to Bach at the end. I find the tenor voice a bit thin and monochrome though.

[@johnpeacock1469]

Well, each to his own. I've heard many recordings of this wonderful work, and none comes close to this version. Apart from the exquisite diction, the purity and restraint of the voice matches the sentiment of the piece perfectly. Less is definitely more in this case.

[@treesny]

@@johnpeacock1469 Agreed! I am always hesitant to label any recording of any work "definitive," since different interpretations can help us hear new facets of a good or great piece, but I would make an exception for this wonderful performance. Very, very special.