Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's chamber music with this exquisite album, released on January 1, 2004, by Centaur Records. This collection showcases the brilliance of Coleridge-Taylor, a composer whose work brilliantly blends European classical traditions with African musical influences.
The album opens with the Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10, a piece that highlights Coleridge-Taylor's mastery of melodic turns and modal harmonies, reminiscent of Dvořák's folk-inspired compositions. The quartet movements—Allegro moderato, Larghetto affettuoso, Allegro leggiero, and Allegro agitato—demonstrate the composer's ability to create a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.
Following the quintet, the album presents the Four African Dances, Op. 58. These dances, composed for violin and piano, are a vibrant exploration of African rhythms and melodies, offering a lively and engaging contrast to the more structured forms of the quintet. Each dance, from the energetic Allegro in G Minor to the soulful Andantino molto sostenuto e dolce in F Major, showcases Coleridge-Taylor's unique ability to blend cultural influences into a cohesive musical narrative.
The album concludes with the Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2, a work that exemplifies Coleridge-Taylor's early maturity as a composer. The four movements—Allegro energico, Andante con moto, Scherzo. Allegro, and Finale. Allegro vivace—are performed with precision and passion, highlighting the intricate interplay between the oboe, clarinet, and string ensemble.
This album is a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the timeless beauty of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's compositions and discover the depth and diversity of his musical genius.
2004 Centaur Records, Inc.2004 Centaur Records, Inc.
Tracks
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: I. Allegro moderatoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: II. Larghetto affettuosoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: III. Allegro leggieroSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: IV. Allegro agitatoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 1, In G Minor: AllegroSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 2, In F Major: Andantino molto sostenuto e dolceSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 3, In A Major: Allegro con brioSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 4, In D Minor: Allegro energicoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: I. Allegro energicoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: II. Andante con motoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegroSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: IV. Finale. Allegro vivaceSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley