DIVINE MUSIC. AN ENGLISH SONGBOOK – IESTYN DAVIES & JOSEPH MIDDLETON

In “Divine Music: An English Songbook,” countertenor Iestyn Davies and pianist Joseph Middleton embark on an extraordinary exploration of the intersection between beauty and sacredness. In a world where the divine often encompasses both the ethereal and the exquisite, this album takes listeners on a sonic journey that blurs the lines between the earthly and the spiritual. Through a captivating selection of English songs spanning centuries, Davies and Middleton create a realm of musical transcendence that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

The juxtaposition of Davies’s countertenor voice with Middleton’s piano arrangements immediately captures the listener’s attention, setting the stage for a captivating experience. The collision of historical periods is masterfully executed, where 17th-century compositions harmonize with 21st-century creations, creating a sonic tapestry that feels both timeless and contemporary. This album stands as a testament to the evolution of the countertenor tradition, exemplifying how the legacy of past luminaries like James Bowman has been carried forward by this new generation.

The album’s centerpiece is Nico Muhly’s “Four Traditional Songs” and the Richard III-inspired ‘Old Bones,’ both of which were specially commissioned for Davies. Muhly’s compositions offer a delicate blend of rhapsody and ingenuity, evoking a sense of elegance that resonates throughout the entire album. In ‘Old Bones,’ Davies’s performance exudes unexpected sentimentality, transforming the story of Richard III’s discovery into a poignant elegy. This sentimentality finds a kindred spirit in Howells’s ‘King David,’ as Davies’s ethereal delivery is complemented by Middleton’s minimalist accompaniment, allowing the music’s inherent beauty to shine through.

The album also features Thomas Adès’s ‘Coffee-Spoon Cavatina’ from the opera “The Exterminating Angel,” a clever and witty piece that provides a whimsical contrast to the ethereal themes explored earlier. With a playful nod, Adès reminds us that the pursuit of transcendence is fleeting, bringing us back to the realm of the everyday.

Among the album’s highlights are the renditions of Butterworth’s “Shropshire Lad” songs, where Davies infuses each line with a sense of fragility and wistfulness. Purcell’s songs, arranged by Adès, receive a fresh treatment that enhances the timeless melodies. In particular, ‘Evening Hymn’ is delicately adorned, creating a mesmerizing interplay between Davies’s vocals and Middleton’s piano accompaniment.

“Divine Music: An English Songbook” ultimately succeeds in its mission to explore the connection between beauty and sacredness in music. Iestyn Davies’s versatile countertenor voice, coupled with Joseph Middleton’s sensitive and nuanced piano arrangements, transports listeners into a realm where centuries coalesce, and emotions transcend the mundane. This album is a masterful testament to the power of music to evoke the divine, leaving listeners contemplating the ephemeral nature of true transcendence.