Found in Dreams
Helen Habershon is both an accomplished performer and an inspired composer of music which often evokes nature, or human emotions and sensibilities this is music which is ‘easy listening’ and in the light music tradition, and is unpretentious, but never facile: it has deep meaning. Her first two CDs have been highly praised and were Album of the Month and Album of the Week on Classic FM (UK) respectively. Her most recent album, ‘Found in Winter’, released in 2019, has been aired by Classic FM ever since. Helen had an established performing career until a serious injury led her to turn to composing, but she is now once again able to perform. Here she teams up with the successful pianist and arranger John Lenehan, who has appeared on over 70 recordings including several solo albums for Sony.
For Found in Dreams Helen Habershon and John Lenehan offer a wonderfully diverse collection of repertoire. This includes beautiful arrangements of some of their favourite pieces; a couple of short movements of outstanding clarinet repertoire by Brahms and Finzi and some delightful new compositions of their own. As well as his beautifully crafted arrangements John has also written two lovely pieces to add to Helen’s. The cover design is a dream image from Helen’s five year old grandson.
Throughout history mankind has been intrigued by the idea of dreams and Helen is no exception. As she says: “It’s interesting that all happenings begin as an idea and in order to get an idea one has to be in a receptive place. When creating I find myself in a kind of timeless space, rather like a daydream. I love the freedom of dreams, anything can happen. There are no boundaries and we are free to explore with no limits. The theme of ‘dreams’ came quite naturally and many of the pieces in the album reflect this.”
Track Listing
- Après un rêve (Gabriel Fauré, arr. John Lenehan)(2:52)
- Yesterday’s Dreams (Helen Habershon) (2:17)
- Dreaming of Summer (John Lenehan)(2:08)
- Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - No. 7 Träumerei (Robert Schumann, arr. John Lenehan) (2:28)
- Whisperings of Love (Helen Habershon)(2:08)
- Deep River (Traditional; arr. John Lenehan)(2:15)
- Beau Soir (Claude Debussy)(2:09)
- Contentment at Dusk (Helen Habershon)(2:19)
- I’ll Love You Forever (Helen Habershon) (2:58)
- Canto Popolare (Sir Edward Elgar)(3:00)
- Deep Reflections (John Lenehan)(1:48)
- Carol, No. 3 from Five Bagatelles (Gerald Finzi)(2:13)
- Forlana, No. 4 from Five Bagatelles (Gerald Finzi)(3:09)
- Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118 No. 2 (Johannes Brahms)(5:49)
- Clarinet Sonata in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1 - III. Allegretto Grazioso (Johannes Brahms) (4:45)
- Love Never Ends (Helen Habershon)(3:12)
- Goin' Home (Largo from Symphony no. 9) (Antonín Dvořák, arr. John Lenehan)(3:30)
- Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano – III. Con Brio (Joseph Horovitz)
- Found in a Dream (Helen Habershon)
Reviews
“This new album is lovely, the title perhaps giving a clue as to the gentle nature of the music. You’re always on safe ground with Helen Habershon, who writes music for people to enjoy.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Unique selection of music for clarinet and piano… almost all of it melodic and lyrical. Good playing from both artists. The recording quality is excellent.
” —Robert Matthew-Walker
“The disc is a delightful discovery… ideal restorative late night listening. There is quality playing all the way.
” —Peter Burt