A wide-ranging quintessentially English setting of lyrical poetry by Robert Bridges, resulting in some of the finest unaccompanied part songs of the period. There is a great deal of variety in the set from the simple and direct setting of
I praise the tender flower, through the elated emotions of
My spirit sang all day, to the sultry summer by the river in
Clear and gentle stream and the weighty emotions expressed in the last song
Wherefore tonight so full of care. Performed complete, lasting nearly 20 minutes, the Seven Part Songs provide a most attractive item in a concert programme, suitable for coupling with madrigals and part songs ancient and modern. The favourites from the set, such as
My spirit sang all day remain popular items in their own right, and are also available as single choral leaflets.