Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's choral works with this exquisite collection, "Coleridge-Taylor: Choral Works," released on June 16, 2023, by Orchid Classics. This double-CD set offers a comprehensive journey through the sacred and secular compositions of one of Britain's most celebrated composers, performed by the esteemed Choir of King's College London.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this album features a diverse array of pieces, including the grand "Morning & Evening Service in F Major, Op. 18," which showcases Coleridge-Taylor's mastery of choral writing. The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "Sea Drift, Op. 69" and "By the Lone Sea Shore," providing a fresh perspective on the composer's versatility and depth.
The album is a treasure trove for both longtime admirers of Coleridge-Taylor and those new to his music. It includes several works that have never been recorded before, making it a significant addition to any classical music collection. The Choir of King's College London delivers a nuanced and powerful performance, bringing out the full beauty and complexity of Coleridge-Taylor's compositions.
From the stirring "Te Deum" to the serene "The Evening Star," this album captures the full range of Coleridge-Taylor's choral artistry. Whether you are drawn to the spiritual depth of his sacred works or the lyrical beauty of his secular pieces, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2023 Orchid Music Ltd2023 Orchid Music Ltd
Tracks
Morning & Evening Service in F Major, Op. 18: I. Te DeumSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
The Lord Is My StrengthSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
In Thee, O LordSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Morning & Evening Service in F Major, Op. 18: III. Jubilate DeoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
O Ye That Love the LordSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Morning & Evening Service in F Major, Op. 18: II. BenedictusSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
By the Waters of BabylonSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
3 Short Pieces for Organ: No. 3, AriettaSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, James Orford
Lift Up Your HeadsSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Morning & Evening Service in F Major, Op. 18: IV. MagnificatSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Morning & Evening Service in F Major, Op. 18: V. Nunc dimittisSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Now Late on the Sabbath DaySamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Alison Ponsford-Hill, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Sea Drift, Op. 69Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
By the Lone Sea ShoreSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
Whispers of SummerSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
The Evening StarSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
3 Short Pieces for Organ: No. 2, ElegySamuel Coleridge-Taylor, James Orford
The Lee ShoreSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
Song of ProserpineSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
Summer Is GoneSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron
3 Short Pieces for Organ: No. 1, MelodySamuel Coleridge-Taylor, James Orford
Viking SongSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, London Choral Sinfonia, Michael Waldron, James Orford
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, born in London in 1875, was a pioneering British composer and conductor whose music transcended racial and cultural boundaries. Of mixed-race heritage, with an English mother and a Creole father from Sierra Leone, Coleridge-Taylor's work was deeply influenced by both European classical traditions and African melodies. He gained international acclaim for his three cantatas based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem 'The Song of Hiawatha', with the first section premiering when he was just 23. Often hailed as the "African Mahler," his compositions, including the Violin Concerto in G minor, reflect his unique blend of musical styles and cultural influences. Despite facing personal struggles, including poverty and tragedy, Coleridge-Taylor's legacy endures as a testament to his musical genius and his impact on the classical music landscape.
Vinylscout
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
