Voices from Lost Realms
William Mayer (composer)
This recording contains some of William Mayer's finest music. "William Mayer's music sings out with real beauty, both in the vocal writing (he is especially known for his operas and songs) and the instrumental settings," wrote John Rockwell of the New York Times on the occasion of the composer's sixtieth birthday. And indeed this recording gives the listener a rich sampling of his vocal music; opera, songs and choral compositions. But, just as importantly, it contains two purely instrumental works - Abandoned Bells for piano and Inner and Outer Strings for string orchestra - which must count as two of the composer's most haunting scores. Mayer's career has contained such memorable events as Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt narrating his Hello World, a musical trip for orchestra and Leopold Stokowski premiering his Octagon for Piano and Orchestra.
Track Listing
| Title | Composer | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Aria from A Death in the Family | William Mayer | Judith Christin, mezzo, Gregory Mercer, tenor, New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| How Far We All Come Away From Ourselves from A Death in the Family | William Mayer | Judith Christin, mezzo, James McKeel, baritone, New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| Kyrie | William Mayer | Florilegium Chamber Choir, New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| First Song | William Mayer | Gregory Mercer, tenor, Marshall Coid, violin, Richard Goldsmith, clarinet, Steven Mayer, piano |
| Limited from Passage | William Mayer | Mary Feinsinger, mezzo, Paul Dunkel, flute, Stacey Shames, harp |
| What Lips My Lips Have Kissed from Passage | William Mayer | Mary Feinsinger, mezzo, Paul Dunkel, flute, Stacey Shames, harp |
| The Passionate Shepherd To His Love | William Mayer | New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| The Nymph's Reply To The Passionate Shepherd | William Mayer | New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| To Electra | William Mayer | New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| Abandoned Bells | William Mayer | Steven Mayer, piano |
| Fern Hill | William Mayer | Jane Bryden, soprano, Paul Dunkel, flute, Stacey Shames, harp |
| La Belle Dame Sans Merci | William Mayer | James McKeel, baritone, New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| Alleluias from One Christmas Long Ago | William Mayer | Florilegium Chamber Choir, New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
| Hist Wist from Enter Ariel | William Mayer | Elizabeth Poore, soprano, Charles Stier, clarinet, Philip Hosford, piano |
| Flotsam from Enter Ariel | William Mayer | Elizabeth Poore, soprano, Charles Stier, clarinet, Philip Hosford, piano |
| Inner and Outer Strings | William Mayer | Music Today String Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz, conductor; Florilegium Chamber Choir, New Calliope Singers, Peter Schubert, conductor |
Reviews
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"William Mayer (b. 1925) has written in many forms, but his sympathetic vocal writing is especially notable. The LP era gave us a fair sample thereof, but the few compact discs have concentrated on instrumental music, so this release is most welcome. This is flavorful, nostalgic music, which is no less original for its tonality....All the performances are praiseworthy, as are the recordings. This is a lovely disc; just sit back in your rocking chair and enjoy it."
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