Regarded as one of the most inspired English songwriters since the 17th century, the British composer Peter Warlock (1894-1930) is long overdue for a revival. Under his given name, Philip Heseltine, he edited music from the Elizabethan Age, co-published the music journal, The Sackbut, and wrote music criticism that was notorious for its scathing tone. But under the Warlock pseudonym, he wrote some of the most memorable vocal music of the 20th century, including the popular Christmas carols, Bethlehem Down and Balulalow. While his life was tragically short and his posthumous reputation somewhat tarnished by reports of his alcoholism, rumored Satanism, and suspected suicide, Warlock is more happily remembered today for his gentle, melodious, and often bright music, and particularly admired for his tasteful blending of serene lyricism with modern spiciness.

Capriol Suite for string orchestra and the song cycle on poems by William Butler Yeats, The Curlew, are Warlock’s best-known works. Yet his numerous songs for voice and piano and choral works deserve a much wider audience.

The Nash Ensemble - Capriol Suite
Basse-Danse
Pavane
Tordion
Bransle
Pieds-en-l’air
Mattachins

Tudor Choir - Bethlehem Down

Adrian Thompson - The Curlew: I cried when the moon was murmuring to the birds

Alexander Hardy, treble - Balulalow

Christopher Maltman, baritone - Peter Warlock’s Fancy

John Mark Ainsley, tenor - The Wind from the West

Polyphony - I Saw a Fair Maiden

Andrew Kennedy, tenor - A Sad Song

Benjamin Luxon, baritone - Mr. Belloc’s Fancy

Norman Bailey, baritone - There is a Lady

Ian Partridge, tenor - Jilian of Berry