New Album by Greek Cypriot Composer Cilia Petridou: Visions of the Greek Soul

Divine Art Records is preparing a major recording of vocal and choral works by the Greek Cypriot composer Cilia Petridou (who has lived in England for many years). 

The double album, with the overall title of ‘Visions of the Greek Soul’ will be in two parts: the first is a program of fifteen songs, which the composer sees as expressing our connection with the natural world in several ways. The set is titled ‘The Anyte Collection’ having been inspired by the Greek poetess Anyte of Tegea (3^rd Century BC), who was referred to in ancient times as ‘the female Homer’ – but of whose work only 19 epigrams survive. The actual settings are of poems by Dimitris Libertis, Emily Dickinson, Kostis Palamas, Alexandxer Pallis, and Nikos Kambas.

The solo vocal part is shared between sopranos Lesley-Jane Rogers and Alison Smart (who also starred in Petridou’s previous album) with pianist Katharine Durran. On the last track to give a different atmosphere, the Steinway piano is replaced by a Roland electric piano played by the composer.

The second set comprises Petridou’s “Byzantine Doxology” for small choir a capella. Composed in 1988, it was inspired by Petridou’s interest in the < Βιβλοι Ανοιγησονται > (which can be translated as ‘Books shall be opened’) , aroused by several chance meetings with the same individual over a period of months in London; around this piece, she chose texts and composed settings to create an integrated concert work.

This will be the first recording of both works, and the album is scheduled for release at the end of 2019 or early 2020 (to be confirmed). It follows a previous double album of songs and chamber music (Sounds of the Chionistra, Divine Art DDA 21224) and a collection of Greek Kalanda (Christmas Carols – Divine Art DDA 25186).

Visions of the Greek Soul

Disc A: The Anyte Collection

15 songs – Teresa; Lullaby; Beauty; Enough; The Nun; Epitaph; Away from you; Red Lips; The Soul selects her own Society; Wait; Your Eyes; My Greatest Regret; Nightingale; Scent of the Rose; Sunset Lesley-Jane Rogers, Alison Smart (sopranos); Katharine Durran (piano); Cilia Petridou (Roland piano on Sunset) Recorded at Haberdashers’ Askes’ School in October 2010 (engineer David Lefeber)

Disc B: Byzantine Doxology

Sections:  Bless us O Lord; Thrice-holy Hymn; O Lord I have Cried; Deliver Me; Pure Light; Hosanna in the Highest; Peace to All; Rest the Souls Jenni Harper (soprano); Lesley-Jane Rogers (soprano); Susan Legg (mezzo-soprano); Andrew Mackenzie-Wicks (tenor); Jeremy Birchall (bass); Patrick Ardagh-walter (bass); Alison Smart (conductor) Recorded at St Jude on the Hill, London, in August 2018 (engineer Phil Hardman)