Stanford: Organ Sonatas Nos. 3, 4 & 2

Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Charles Villiers Stanford's organ sonatas with this captivating album, released on Pro Organo. This collection features three of Stanford's most renowned organ sonatas, performed with exquisite skill and sensitivity. The album opens with the powerful and evocative "Britannica" (Organ Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 152), a piece that showcases Stanford's mastery of the organ and his deep connection to his English heritage. The sonata's three movements, titled "St. Mary," "Benedictus," and "Hanover," offer a journey through contrasting moods and textures, from the fiery opening to the reflective middle movement and the rhythmic finale.

Next, the album presents "Celtica" (Organ Sonata No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 153), a work that draws inspiration from Celtic themes and traditions. The sonata's three movements, including the majestic "St. Patrick's Breastplate," demonstrate Stanford's ability to blend cultural influences with his unique compositional voice. The album concludes with "Eroica" (Organ Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 151), a monumental work that reflects Stanford's admiration for Beethoven's heroic style. The sonata's three movements, titled "Rheims," "Tempo di marcia solenne," and "Verdun," offer a dramatic and stirring conclusion to the album.

Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) was one of the most distinguished composers of English church music, and his organ sonatas are considered some of his finest works. This album, recorded with stunning clarity and depth, provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the full range of Stanford's organ writing, from the intimate and reflective to the grand and triumphant. With a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a testament to Stanford's enduring legacy and his enduring influence on the world of organ music.