Ruby Hughes and Anna Tilbrook

Ruby Hughes – soprano
Anna Tilbrook – piano

Benjamin Britten – Cabaret Songs
Gustav Mahler – Rückert Lieder
Benjamin Britten – Folk Songs: Waly Waly; At the mid hour of night; Ca’ the Yowes; How sweet the answer
Errollyn Wallen – Rain; Peace on Earth; On the mountain; Timeless

Mahler’s Rückert Lieder date from the start of the 20th century and were written alongside his 5th Symphony and the Kindertotenlieder. They mark a transition in Mahler’s compositional style and were written at a time when Mahler was enjoying great happiness and success; this joy being reflected in the grace and beauty of the melodic invention. Britten’s Cabaret Songs are perhaps the best known of his collaborations with his fellow Greshamian, W H Auden and include the ever popular ‘Tell me the truth about Love’ and ‘Funeral Blues’. His Folk Song collection span most of his working life, from the mid-1930’s through to the 1970’s and we hear examples setting from the 3rd and 4th volumes in this concert. A 2022 survey by Bachtrack listed Errollyn Wallen as one of the top 20 most performed living composers and this recital gives you an opportunity to hear why this is the case featuring works from the Errollyn Wallen Songbook alongside other songs.