Dive into the rich tapestry of late Romantic music with "Love's White Flame," a captivating collection of songs by the esteemed Anglo-Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford. Released on September 11, 2020, this album showcases Stanford's versatility and mastery, featuring a blend of choral and solo vocal works that highlight his unique voice in the classical canon.
The album opens with five sonnets from "The Triumph of Love, Op. 82," beautifully rendered by mezzo-soprano Elisabetta Paglia and pianist Christopher Howell. These intimate settings of love poetry offer a glimpse into Stanford's lyrical genius and his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion. The album also includes selections from "Die Wallfahrt nach Kevlaar, Op. 72," a poignant cycle of songs that explore themes of faith and devotion.
In addition to these larger works, "Love's White Flame" features a variety of solo songs that demonstrate Stanford's range as a composer. From the haunting beauty of "A Corsican Dirge" to the playful charm of "Dainty Davie," each piece is a testament to Stanford's skill in crafting memorable melodies and evocative harmonies. The album also includes several folk song arrangements, showcasing Stanford's ability to blend traditional tunes with his own distinctive style.
Performances on this album are nothing short of stellar, with Elisabetta Paglia's rich, expressive voice bringing Stanford's songs to life. Christopher Howell's sensitive piano accompaniment provides a solid foundation for the vocal lines, allowing the music to shine. The result is a recording that is both historically significant and immediately engaging, offering a fresh perspective on the work of one of the most important composers of the late Romantic era.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Charles Villiers Stanford or a newcomer to his music, "Love's White Flame" is an essential addition to your collection. With its beautiful performances and thoughtful programming, this album is sure to become a favorite, offering hours of listening pleasure and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Charles Villiers Stanford.
2020 Da Vinci Classics2020 Da Vinci Classics
Tracks
Five Sonnets from The Triumph of Love, Op. 82: No. 1, O one deep sacred outlet of my soulCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Five Sonnets from The Triumph of Love, Op. 82: No. 2, Like as the thrush in winterCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Five Sonnets from The Triumph of Love, Op. 82: No. 3, When in the solemn stillness of the nightCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Five Sonnets from The Triumph of Love, Op. 82: No. 4, I think that we were childrenCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Five Sonnets from The Triumph of Love, Op. 82: No. 5, O flames of passionCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Die Wallfahrt nach Kevlaar, Op. 72: I. Am Fenster stand die MutterCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Die Wallfahrt nach Kevlaar, Op. 72: II. Die Mutter-Gottes zu KevlaarCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Die Wallfahrt nach Kevlaar, Op. 72: III. Der kranke Sohn und die MutterCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Four Songs, Op. 125: No. 1, The Song of AsiaCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Four Songs, Op. 125: No. 2, John KellyCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Dainty DavieCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
A Corsican DirgeCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
May's LoveCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
A Japanese LullabyCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
The LinnetCharles Villiers Stanford, Christopher Howell, Elisabetta Paglia
Der Kukkuk - German folk song arranged by StanfordCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
La Belle Dame sans MerciCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
The Calico DressCharles Villiers Stanford, Elisabetta Paglia, Christopher Howell
Vinylscout