Coleridge-Taylor: Sonata in D Minor - African Dances - Hiawathan Sketches - Petite Suite de Concert - Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's classical masterpieces with this exquisite album, featuring a selection of his most celebrated works. This collection showcases the versatility and brilliance of Coleridge-Taylor, an eminent composer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his rich and evocative compositions.

The album opens with the powerful "Sonata in D Minor for Violin & Piano Op. 28," a piece that highlights Coleridge-Taylor's mastery of classical form and his ability to convey deep emotion through music. The three movements of this sonata are performed with precision and passion, making it a standout piece in the collection.

Next, the "African Dances Op. 58" transport the listener to a different realm, inspired by the rhythms and melodies of African music. These dances are lively and energetic, showcasing Coleridge-Taylor's unique blend of cultural influences and his innovative approach to composition.

The "Hiawathan Sketches Op. 16" are another highlight, drawing inspiration from the epic poem "Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. These sketches are a beautiful blend of narrative and music, each movement telling a part of the story with grace and elegance.

The album concludes with the "Petite Suite de Concert Op. 77," a light and charming suite that is still regularly performed today. This suite is a delightful mix of styles and moods, from the playful "La Caprice de Nannette" to the romantic "Un Sonnet d'Amour."

Recorded in 2002 at St George's, Brandon Hill, Bristol, this album features the exceptional talents of David Juritz on violin and Michael Dussek on piano. Their performances bring Coleridge-Taylor's music to life, capturing the essence of each piece with skill and sensitivity.

Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. It is a testament to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the world of classical music.

1 januari 2003

(P) 2003 Dutton Epoch

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.