"Wings of Song" is a captivating album by the renowned flautist James Galway, released under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label in 2004. This exquisite collection of classical and Celtic pieces showcases Galway's virtuosity and the golden tone of his flute, earning him the nickname "The Man With the Golden Flute."
The album spans a rich and diverse repertoire, featuring arrangements by Craig Leon of timeless classics such as "Pavane pour une infante défunte" by Gabriel Fauré, "Gymnopédie No. 3" by Erik Satie, and "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert. Galway's interpretations are joined by the enchanting "Annie's Song" by John Denver, adapted by Charles Gerhard and arranged by Leon, adding a touch of modern folk charm to the classical ensemble.
With a duration of 73 minutes, "Wings of Song" offers a harmonious blend of well-known arias, instrumental pieces, and lyrical melodies. The album includes iconic works like "Samson et Dalila" by Camille Saint-Saëns, "Norma" by Vincenzo Bellini, and "Orfeo ed Euridice" by Christoph Willibald Gluck, demonstrating Galway's versatility and mastery over a wide range of musical styles.
This album is a testament to James Galway's enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated flautists of our time. "Wings of Song" is not just a collection of beautiful music but a showcase of Galway's artistry, making it a cherished addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
Pavane pour une infante défunte - Arr. by Craig LeonMaurice Ravel, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Gymnopédie No. 3 - Arr. by Craig LeonErik Satie, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Ave Maria, "Ellens Gesang III", D 839 - Arr. by Craig LeonFranz Schubert, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel, Moray Welsh
Dawning of the Day - Arr. by Craig LeonAnonymous, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
En Aranjuez con tu amor - Arr. by Craig LeonJoaquín Rodrigo, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 4 in C Minor, BWV 1017 - Arr. by Craig Leon: SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Samson et Dalila - Arr. by Craig Leon / Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voixCamille Saint-Saëns, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Norma - Arr. by Craig Leon: Casta DivaVincenzo Bellini, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Requiem, Op. 48 - Arr. by Craig Leon: Pie JesuGabriel Fauré, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Arr. by Craig Leon / Act II: BarcarolleJacques Offenbach, James Galway, Jeanne Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Wesendonck Lieder, WWV 91: I. Der Engel - Arr. by Craig LeonRichard Wagner, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Eurydice) - Arr. by Craig Leon / Act III: Che farò senza EuridiceChristoph Willibald Gluck, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 - "American" B.179 - Arr. by Craig Leon: II. LentoAntonín Dvořák, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel, Moray Welsh
Fünf Lieder Op. 49 - Arr. by Craig Leon: WiegenliedJohannes Brahms, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
A Lord of the Rings SuiteHoward Shore, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel
Annie's Song - Arr. by Charles Gerhard; Adapted by Craig LeonJohn Denver, James Galway, London Symphony Orchestra, Klauspeter Seibel