The first six of a
projected eight volumes of the new critical
edition of Peter Warlock’s songs are
out, published by Thames Publishing,
now a division of William Elkin Music
Services.
They have been edited
by Michael Pilkington (author of "British
Solo Song" and the "English
Solo Song – guides to the repertoire"
series), and features an Introduction
by Brian Collins, Chairman of the Peter
Warlock Society, which has been the
driving force behind this edition. Pilkington
provides a clear explanation of the
editorial procedure and a detailed preface,
which includes information about the
sources, tips for performance, and background
information ranging from textural changes,
the poems and poets, through to dedicatees,
and many other snippets of fascinating
information for the individual pieces
featured.
Volumes 1 and 2 cover
Warlock’s songs from 1911-1919, for
high and medium voice respectively,
volume 3 comprises songs from 1921-1922
for high voice, volume 4 songs from
1920-1923 for medium voice, volume 5
songs from 1923-1928 for high voice,
and volume 6 songs from 1923-26 for
medium voice.
This is the definitive
edition of these songs – they are presented
here in their original keys and in the
different versions that Warlock composed.
They have been subjected to meticulous
scholarship by Pilkington and traced
back as closely as possible to Warlock’s
originals, following holograph sources
wherever possible, and otherwise first
editions.
A few minor criticisms
include the occasional proof-reading
oversight (one presumes) such as the
mis-spelling of Piggesnie (on the back
covers), and one might also frown upon
the shortening of the song titles on
the back cover (Five Lesser Joys rather
than The Five Lesser Joys of Mary).
These are, however, corrected in the
following three volumes. Although I
marginally prefer the (slightly more
spacious) design and layout of the previous
edition, these are nonetheless nicely
produced, well laid out, and musically
very clearly and legible. It is also
extremely useful having lists of the
contents of all the volumes on the inside
back covers.
Warlock’s songs range
from exquisitely, sublimely beautiful,
and heart-rendingly tender, to boisterously
rollicking and rowdy. I recommend this
edition most highly to all lovers of
English song.
Em Marshall
