Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert - Sarah Connolly, Eugene Asti

Suzy Klein presents this week's Radio 3 Lunchtime recital live from the Wigmore Hall. Mezzo-Soprano Sarah Connolly, accompanied by Eugene Asti perform a programme of English Song. 2 of Michael Tippett's arrangements, or re-discoveries of Henry Purcell songs begin the programme - "Music for a while" and "If music be the food of love". There follows songs by Peter Warlock, Frank Bridge, Britten - Bridge's pupil, Herbert Howells and Ivor Gurney who were both Gloucester lads of the Great War generation, and their songs reflect this time of conflict. At the centre of the recital there are 3 songs by today's pianist Eugene Asti, all settings of poetry by Emily Dickinson. Purcell (arr. Tippett) - Music for a while; If music be the food of love Warlock - Sleep Bridge - Mantle of Blue; Day after day; Speak to me my love Eugene Asti - 3 Songs on texts by Emily Dickinson Gurney - By a Bier-side Howells - King David; Lost Love Britten - A Charm (from a Charm of Lullabies (Op.41)); The Salley Gardens.