Bantock: Sappho & Sapphic Poem

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ancient Greece with Granville Bantock's "Bantock: Sappho & Sapphic Poem," a captivating orchestral album released in 1997. This exquisite collection, recorded in January of the same year at All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, showcases Bantock's deep fascination with the poetry of Sappho, one of the most renowned lyric poets of ancient Greece.

The album opens with "Sappho: Beginning. Prelude," setting the stage for a series of evocative pieces that bring Sappho's timeless verses to life. Each track, from "Hymn to Aphrodite" to "Sapphic Poem," is a testament to Bantock's mastery of orchestration and his ability to convey the essence of Sappho's words through music. The highlight of the album is the 15-minute "Sapphic Poem" for cello and orchestra, a charming and intricate piece that stands out as a pendant to the main work. Originally composed with piano accompaniment, this piece was first performed at London's Bechstein Hall, later known as Wigmore Hall.

Featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Vernon Handley, along with the exceptional talents of Julian Lloyd Webber on cello and Susan Bickley on vocals, this album is a testament to the enduring power of classical music. Produced by Martin Compton and engineered by Tony Faulkner, the recording quality is top-notch, ensuring that every nuance of Bantock's composition is captured with clarity and precision.

"Bantock: Sappho & Sapphic Poem" is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the lyrical beauty of Sappho's poetry, brought to life by the orchestral genius of Granville Bantock. Whether you are a fan of classical music or a lover of ancient literature, this album offers a unique and enriching experience.

1 september 1997

℗ 1997 Hyperion Records Limited

About Granville Bantock

Sir Granville Bantock (1868-1946) was a prominent British composer and academic whose influence on the musical landscape of Birmingham was profound. Born into a comfortable Victorian family as the son of a distinguished surgeon, Bantock's musical journey began at the Royal Academy of Music in London. His compositions, deeply influenced by folk song and the grandeur of Wagner, often explored Asian and Celtic themes, creating a unique and captivating sound.

Bantock's career was marked by significant milestones, including his appointment as the first full-time principal of the Birmingham and Midland Institute School of Music (now Birmingham Conservatoire) in 1900, and later as professor of music at Birmingham University, succeeding the renowned Edward Elgar. His works, such as "Atalanta in Calydon," "Omar Khayyam," and "Dante and Beatrice," are testament to his enduring legacy in the world of classical music. Despite the waning popularity of his music in his later years, Bantock's contributions to music education and his extensive body of work continue to inspire and influence.