Moeran: Cello Concerto - Serenade

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ernest John Moeran's "Moeran: Cello Concerto - Serenade," a captivating choral album released on April 2, 2013, by Naxos. This collection showcases the brilliance of Moeran, an Anglo-Irish composer born in 1894, and offers a rich tapestry of musical compositions that span a variety of emotions and styles.

The album opens with the Cello Concerto, one of Moeran's most significant works, composed in 1945. This piece is renowned for its deft scoring and memorable melodic material, featuring a slow movement that highlights the singing quality of the cello. The finale is particularly noteworthy for its Irish influences, delivering an exciting and passionate performance that builds to a taut conclusion.

Following the Cello Concerto, the album presents the Serenade in G Major, a multi-movement work that includes a prologue, air, intermezzo, galop, minuet, rigadoon, forlana, and epilogue. Each section offers a unique blend of tempos and moods, from the lively "Galop: Presto" to the more subdued "Air. Lento, ma non troppo."

The album also includes two shorter pieces: "Lonely Waters" and "Whythorne's Shadow." The latter is a short work scored for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and strings, adding a delightful variety to the collection.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album is a testament to Moeran's compositional prowess and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his music. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Moeran: Cello Concerto - Serenade" is sure to captivate and inspire.