Watkins/Cragg/Camerata - Songs of Renewal

The promise of rebirth and rejuvenation is celebrated by SOMM Recordings� Songs of Renewal, a collection of choral works � including three first recordings � by seven living British composers performed by Bath Camerata under musical director Benjamin Goodson. Joining the ensemble are soprano Elizabeth Cragg and composer-pianist Huw Watkins, whose Shakespeare setting The Phoenix and the Turtle (2014) moves from monotone chanting to solemn chorale for an allegorical poem mourning the passing of ideal love.Commissioned by Bath Camerata to mark its 30th anniversary in 2017, the disc�s title track is a three-movement choral suite by Will Todd reflecting his interest in jazz music and featuring lyrics by the composer and former UK Poet Laureate Andrew Motion.