Following the great success of Beginnings, Hugh’s songs for me with string orchestra that were premiered at the 2010 Presteigne Festival, he has written a second group, this time with piano accompaniment. The five Laurie Lee Songs were begun at a similar time to Beginnings, in the late 1950s, but remained incomplete until this year. The poems that Hugh has set are Boy in Ice, The Edge of Day, The Easter Green, Town Owl and April Rise and the songs are full of rich lyricism and lush textures, as well as the drama inherent in Hugh’s intelligent wordsetting.
I hope to premiere the songs in a recital at the Royal Opera House later this year. Watch the website for a date and booking details.
Click here to listen to excerpts from Beginnings