Dive into the enchanting world of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's vocal music with this captivating collection of his songs. "Heart & Hereafter: Collected Songs of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor" is a beautifully curated album featuring the exquisite soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn and the accomplished pianist Simon Lepper. Released on May 28, 2021, under the Orchid Classics label, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres within the classical realm, offering a profound exploration of Coleridge-Taylor's musical genius.
The album is a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's versatility and depth, encompassing a wide range of themes from sorrow and love to African influences and fairy tales. The 25 tracks, spanning 55 minutes, include excerpts from some of his most beloved works, such as the "6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57," "Southern Love Songs, Op. 12," and "7 African Romances, Op. 17." Each piece is performed with a delicate balance of passion and precision, bringing Coleridge-Taylor's compositions to life in a way that resonates deeply with listeners.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Oh, Roses for the Flush of Youth," the evocative "A Starry Night," and the poignant "Life and Death." The album also features lesser-known gems like "Canoe Song" and "A King There Lived in Thule," providing a comprehensive overview of Coleridge-Taylor's vocal repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(C) 2021 Orchid Classics(P) 2021 Orchid Classics
Tracks
6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57: No. 1, Oh, What Comes Over the SeaSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57: No. 2, When I Am Dead, My DearestSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57: No. 3, Oh, Roses for the Flush of YouthSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57: No. 4, She Sat and Sang AlwaySamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57: No. 5, Unmindful of the RosesSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Sorrow Songs, Op. 57: No. 6, Too Late for Love!Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
Southern Love Songs, Op. 12 (Excerpts): No. 3, MinguilloSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
Southern Love Songs, Op. 12 (Excerpts): No. 4, If Thou Art Sleeping, MaidenSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
Southern Love Songs, Op. 12 (Excerpts): No. 2, TearsSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 1, An African Love SongSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 2, A PrayerSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 3, A Starry NightSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 4, DawnSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 5, BalladSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 6, Over the HillsSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
7 African Romances, Op. 17: No. 7, How Shall I Woo TheeSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
5 Fairy Ballads (Excerpts): No. 3, Big Lady MoonSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
5 Songs of Sun and Shade (Excerpts): No. 4, Thou Art Risen, My BelovedSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
5 Songs of Sun and Shade (Excerpts): No. 1, You Lay So Still in the SunshineSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
5 Songs of Sun and Shade (Excerpts): No. 2, Thou Hast Bewitched Me, BelovedSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
Faust, Op. 70: No. 4, A King There Lived in ThuleSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
A LamentSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Songs, Op. 37 (Excerpts Arr. for Soprano & Piano): No. 2, Canoe SongSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
6 Songs, Op. 37 (Excerpts Arr. for Soprano & Piano): No. 1, You'll Love Me YetSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
Life and DeathSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Simon Lepper
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
