Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's masterful compositions with this captivating album. This collection showcases the genius of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a pioneering figure in classical music, whose works beautifully blend romantic and folk influences.

At the heart of this album is "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," a cantata that brought Coleridge-Taylor his first major success. This work, commissioned by the renowned London publisher Novello, is a vivid musical narrative inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha." The cantata is a stunning display of Coleridge-Taylor's ability to weave intricate melodies and harmonies, transporting listeners to the enchanting world of Native American folklore.

In addition to "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," this album features a diverse range of Coleridge-Taylor's compositions. The "Othello Suite" offers a dramatic and evocative exploration of Shakespeare's tragic tale, while the "Petite Suite de Concert" and "Four Characteristic Valses" showcase the composer's versatility and mastery of form. Each piece is a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's unique voice and his enduring contribution to the classical music canon.

Recorded with meticulous attention to detail, this album captures the full richness and depth of Coleridge-Taylor's orchestrations. The Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Choral Society deliver powerful, nuanced performances that bring these timeless works to life. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.

18 februari 2013

2013 Heritage Records

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.