Composer: Martin Bussey
Performer: Marcus Farnsworth, Alison Rose, Libby Burgess, Emma Halnan, George Strivens, Stephen Burke, Martin Bussey
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Resonus Classics
Catalogue: RES10350
Release: 2024
Size: 2.17 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
A Brother Abroad
01. I. My Lord Archbishop, Walter
02. II. Despite Such Violence
03. III. Here I Am Trusted
04. IV. The Lord Has Granted Me
05. V. An Now, As I Come to Pynnore
06. You Join in Our Procession Around the Church
07. The Rites Observed
08. La Rossa
Children of Adam
09. I. The Mystic Trumpeter
10. II. As Adam
11. III. We Two, How Long We Were Fooled
12. IV. When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed
13. V. Joy, shipmate, Joy!
A Chainless Soul
14. I. The Old Stoic
15. II. Methinks This Heart Should Rest Awhile
16. III. Fall, leaves fall
17. IV. No Coward Soul
In A Brother Abroad, Martin Bussey’s rich compositional voice vividly brings to life the fascinating figure of Peter of Bologna, a fourteenth-century Franciscan bishop. This compelling new recording showcases baritone Marcus Farnsworth, soprano Alison Rose, and an ensemble led by pianist Libby Burgess, alongside Emma Halnan (flute), George Strivens (french horn), and Stephen Burke (percussion). The text, written by Anthony Pinching, draws on historical sources, and Bussey’s music deftly balances moments of spirituality, political intrigue, and celebration. This album also features songs cycles A Chainless Soul and Children of Adam with texts by Emily Bronte and Walt Whitman respectively, and highlights Bussey’s flair for dramatic storytelling and his deep connection to English song, cementing his reputation as a distinctive contemporary voice.