(Leader, Paul Beard )
Conduotor, Sir Adrian Boult
Betsy de la Porte (mezzo-soprano)
These three songs, which date from 1903, are settings of poems by the French writer who chose to be known as Tristan Klingsor. They were originally written for voice and piano, and afterwards orchestrated by the composer. The first song, ' Asie,' gives expression to a longing for the East, with its mysterious beauty, its mandarins, princesses, and enchanted palaces. In the second song, ' La Flute Enchanted,' -the melody of a flute is heard, whose notes, now sad now joyous, fall on the poet's ear ' like soft kisses on the cheek.' The third song. ' L'Indifferent,' tells of the loveliness and charm of one who passes by with a graceful gesture of indifference. HAROLD RUTLAND