Gossiana

Giles Davies' new album 'Gossiana', revives the life and work of the English

singer and scholar John Goss (1891-1953). Goss' song repertoire included Mediaeval and Elizabethan songs, German Lieder and English art songs, together with Folksongs and Ballads which he revived with his own Cathedral Male Quartet. 'Gossiana' revives a typical 1920's John Goss recital as a celebration of his life and work alongside Ballads which were favourites.

Many composers of the 20th Century inter war years dedicated songs to him, among them Peter Warlock, E.J.Moeran, Bernard van Dieren and Rebecca Clarke.

In traditional and comic ballads Giles is joined by the Goss Male Quartet and accompanist Steven Devine, released on the Divine Art Records label in March 2008.

SAMPLE TRACKS ONLINE AT : gossiana.moonfruit.com and www.divine-art.co.uk

(John Goss and his colleagues feature on Divine-Art's historic series, on a compilation

of the music of E.J.Moeran.)

'Shenandoah', recorded in the 1920's with John Goss, The Cathedral Male Quartet and Kathleen Markwell can be heard below. (From 78rpm Shellac archive)

Back cover of original sheet music to Moeran's

'Sheep Shearing'

'Gossiana' recording sessions in the Highlands of Scotland. May 2007