Stanford: Choral Works

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of sacred choral music with "Stanford: Choral Works," a captivating collection of compositions by the esteemed Charles Villiers Stanford. This album, released on December 1, 2014, under Convivium Records, showcases the brilliance of Stanford's choral and requiem genres, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Performed by the renowned Winchester College Chapel Choir, accompanied by the newly installed Dobson organ in Merton College Chapel, Oxford, this album is a testament to Stanford's enduring legacy. The choir, under the skilled direction of David Hill, delivers a flawless performance that highlights the depth and beauty of Stanford's sacred choral works.

"Stanford: Choral Works" features a diverse selection of Stanford's compositions, including excerpts from his "Morning, Evening & Communion Service in C Major, Op. 115," the "3 Latin Motets, Op. 38," and the "Bible Songs, Op. 113." The album also includes beloved hymns and anthems such as "O for a Closer Walk with God," "When, in Our Music, God Is Glorified," and "The Lord Is My Shepherd." This collection is a celebration of Stanford's contributions to choral music, offering both his most celebrated pieces and lesser-known works that deserve wider recognition.

As we mark the centenary of Charles Villiers Stanford's death, this album provides a comprehensive survey of his sacred choral works, focusing on the music composed during his formative years in Cambridge. Stanford, an Irish composer, conductor, and teacher, played a pivotal role in the revival of English music and left an indelible mark on the choral and orchestral repertoire. His influence as a professor of music at the Royal College of Music further solidified his status as a key figure in British musical history.

The album is meticulously curated, with program notes compiled by Professor Jeremy Dibble, a leading authority on Stanford's music. The cover portrait, commissioned for this release, adds a touch of elegance to the overall presentation. Whether you are a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to Stanford's works, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.

Charles Villiers Stanford, an eminent figure of the late Romantic era, was an Anglo-Irish composer, conductor, and music educator whose influence resonates through the generations. Born into a musically inclined family in Dublin, Stanford's journey took him from the halls of the University of Cambridge to the prestigious music conservatories of Leipzig and Berlin. His contributions to the musical world are vast, notably his role in elevating the Cambridge University Musical Society to international acclaim. Stanford's compositions, particularly his choral works and requiems, are celebrated for their depth and emotional resonance, earning him the title of Ireland's most prolific composer. His legacy endures, inspiring countless musicians and composers, including the likes of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst. Stanford's Anglican cathedral music remains a staple in the repertoire, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music.