Gerald Finzi (1901–56) has come to embody the lyrical pastoralism so associated with English 20-century music. This anthology includes eight critically acclaimed recordings of Finzi’s works.

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Review highlights of some of the previously released individual CDs in this set:

Finzi: Cello Concerto; Grand Fantasia; Eclogue / Hugh, Donoboe, Griffiths

Tim Hugh's offers a lucid, thoughtful, penetrating account of the reflective and often elusive Cello Concerto. Donohoe's direct, un-mannered treatment of the Eclogue results in a finely controlled performance that casts ample light on the text without sentimentalizing it. Donohoe's account of the Grand Fantasia and Toccata is keenly incisive.

Finzi: Dies Natalis, Farewell To Arms, Two Sonnets / Hill, Gilchrist

Intelligent and emotional engagement with the words, sharply delineated syllabic enunciation even at volume, wondrous breath control and steady tonal production (Dies natalis).

Finzi: Intimations Of Immortality, For St. Cecilia / Hill

This disc represents an easy first choice in Finzi's Intimations of Immortality, one of the masterpieces of the English choral literature. David Hill has one advantage over everyone: his is simply the most exciting performance available, not just a function of swift tempos, but also in terms of the acuity and enthusiasm of the instrumental response to the music's bold contrasts and driving climaxes.