Finzi: Dies natalis, Clarinet Concerto & Farewell to Arms

Gerald Finzi was a very original figure in the English musical world, heir of the “pastoralists” such as Vaughan Williams, though with a very distinctive manner. He somehow fell into neglect before coming back into favour at the end of the 20th century, notably for his clarinet concerto which has become a standard of the modern repertoire. Performed by Michael Collins under the baton of staunch defender of Finzi’s music Richard Hickox, it comes with two youthful vocal works setting 17th-century English poetry, of which Finzi was a refined connoisseur.