Thomas Adès - The Lover in Winter [Score Video]

Performed by Iestyn Davies (countertenor) and Joseph Middleton (piano).

0:00 I. Iam nocet frigus
1:19 II. Nunc lympha caret
2:24 III. Modo frigescit
4:05 IV. Nutritur ignis osculo

"Anonymous aphoristic Latin verses haunt The Lover in Winter (autograph London 16 May 1989, rev 1993, untitled songs I-IV), a youthful work of striking creative signature dating from Adès's period studying with Robert Saxton at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama -- where it was premiered by William Turner and Steven Neugarten in July 1989. Cellular relationships, precise dynamic attacks and veils of varied pedalling colour the sparse texture, pianistically the most extended contribution coming in the splintered-glass postlude of the third song." (from the liner notes)