Coleridge-Taylor: Sargent Conducts

Album Description

Experience the timeless compositions of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a pioneering British composer of mixed-race descent, with this captivating album conducted by the renowned Sir Malcolm Sargent and performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra. Coleridge-Taylor, often hailed as the "African Mahler," left an indelible mark on the classical music world despite his tragically short life. This album showcases his diverse and evocative works, including selections from his celebrated "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," the dramatic "Othello Suite," and the charming "Petite Suite de Concert."

The album opens with the enchanting "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," a series of nine movements that bring to life the epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Each movement is a vivid musical narrative, from the lively "You Shall Hear How Pau-Puk Keewis" to the tender "Onaway! Awake, Beloved!" and the boastful "Very Boastful Was Iagoo." This suite is a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's ability to weave storytelling and melody into a rich tapestry of sound.

The "Othello Suite" offers a different facet of Coleridge-Taylor's genius, with its dramatic and evocative themes inspired by Shakespeare's tragic love story. The suite includes the haunting "The Willow Song" and the powerful "Funeral March," showcasing the composer's range and depth.

The album concludes with the delightful "Petite Suite de Concert," a collection of charming pieces that highlight Coleridge-Taylor's gift for melody and his ability to create vivid musical scenes. From the playful "La Caprice de Nanette" to the romantic "Un Sonnet D'Amour," these pieces are a joy to listen to and a testament to the composer's enduring appeal.

This album is a celebration of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's remarkable talent and his enduring legacy. Whether you are a longtime admirer of his music or a newcomer to his work, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Enjoy the timeless beauty and innovation of Coleridge-Taylor's compositions, conducted with mastery by Sir Malcolm Sargent and brought to life by the Philharmonia Orchestra.

17 juni 2013

(P) 2013 Editions Audiovisuel Beulah

About Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

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.