"Song Cycle: Vive La Vélorution!" is a delightful and energetic celebration of cycling, composed by the acclaimed British composer Alexander L'Estrange. This captivating album is the third in a series of grand-scale choral works, uniquely blending jazz quintet, SATB choirs, and even bicycle bells and pumps to create a unique and engaging soundscape.
Commissioned by the Chapter House Choir to mark the grand départ of the 2014 Tour de France in Yorkshire, this 53-minute work is a sequence of ten entertaining songs, eight of which are original compositions by L'Estrange, and two are arrangements of existing songs. The album features a wide variety of musical styles, including jazz, musical theatre, barbershop, pastiche Victorian Music Hall, and folk, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The album was recorded in February 2015 at Uppingham School and features the talented Song Cycle Singers, conducted by Joanna Forbes L'Estrange, and the Call Me Al jazz quintet, led by Alexander L'Estrange himself. The result is a lively and uplifting album that captures the joy and excitement of cycling, making it a perfect accompaniment for any cycling enthusiast or fan of choral and jazz music.
With its unique blend of styles and subjects, "Song Cycle: Vive La Vélorution!" is a standout addition to any music collection, offering a fresh and engaging listening experience from start to finish.
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