Dive into the rich tapestry of Charles Villiers Stanford's musical genius with "Songs of Faith, Love and Nonsense," a captivating collection of 33 song settings that showcase the composer's versatility and depth. Released on January 22, 2021, by SOMM Recordings, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, featuring a blend of choral and requiem genres that span a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes.
The album is meticulously divided into five distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on Stanford's compositional prowess. The first section, "Songs of Faith, Op. 97," includes six tracks that delve into themes of spirituality and devotion, with titles like "Strong Son of God" and "Faith." The second section, "3 Songs of Robert Bridges, Op. 43," features settings of Robert Bridges' poetry, highlighting Stanford's ability to set text to music with sensitivity and nuance.
"Shamus O'Brien, Op. 61 (Excerpts)" offers a glimpse into Stanford's Irish heritage, with excerpts that evoke the spirit of Irish folk music. The "Nonsense Rhymes" section is a delightful departure, featuring 14 whimsical and playful tracks that showcase Stanford's lighter side. Finally, "5 Sonnets from 'The Triumph of Love', Op. 82" rounds out the album with a series of romantic and passionate settings.
Baritone Roderick Williams lends his powerful and expressive voice to many of the tracks, bringing Stanford's compositions to life with clarity and conviction. The album also features contributions from other talented musicians, including pianist Iain Burnside and the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge.
"Songs of Faith, Love and Nonsense" is not just a collection of songs; it's a journey through the diverse musical landscape of Charles Villiers Stanford. Whether you're a longtime fan of Stanford's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the composer's enduring legacy.
(C) 2021 SOMM Recordings(P) 2021 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Songs of Faith, Op. 97, Set 1: No. 1, Strong Son of GodCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Songs of Faith, Op. 97, Set 1: No. 2, God and the UniverseCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Songs of Faith, Op. 97, Set 1: No. 3, FaithCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Songs of Faith, Op. 97, Set 2: No. 4, To the SoulCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Songs of Faith, Op. 97, Set 2: No. 5, Tears!Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Songs of Faith, Op. 97, Set 2: No. 6, Joy, Shipmate, Joy!Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
3 Songs of Robert Bridges, Op. 43: No. 1, Since Thou, O Fondest and TruestCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
3 Songs of Robert Bridges, Op. 43: No. 2, I Praise the Tender FlowerCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
3 Songs of Robert Bridges, Op. 43: No. 3, Say, O Say! Saith the MusicCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Shamus O'Brien, Op. 61 (Excerpts): My Heart Is ThrallCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Shamus O'Brien, Op. 61 (Excerpts): GlengallCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Shamus O'Brien, Op. 61 (Excerpts): Ochone, When I Used to Be YoungCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Shamus O'Brien, Op. 61 (Excerpts): I Love My Ould IrelandCharles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 1, The Hardy Norsewoman, Op. 365Charles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 2, The Compleat Virtuoso, Op. 366Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 3, The Absent Barber, Op. 367Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 4, The Cow and the Coward, Op. 368Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 5, Barkerolle, Op. 369 (1)Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 6, Dithyramb, Op. 370Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 7, The Generous Parishioner, Op. 371Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 8, Limmerich ohne Worte, Op. 372Charles Villiers Stanford, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 9, Boat Song, Op. 373Charles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 10, Nileinsamkeit, Op. 374Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 11, The Aquiline Snub, Op. 375Charles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 12, Tone Poem, Op. 376Charles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No 13, Gongdichtung, Op. 377Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 14, A Visit of Elizabeth, Op. 378Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
5 Sonnets from "The Triumph of Love", Op. 82: No. 1, O One Deep Sacred Outlet of My SoulCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
5 Sonnets from "The Triumph of Love", Op. 82: No. 2, Like as the Thrush in WinterCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
5 Sonnets from "The Triumph of Love", Op. 82: No. 3, When in the Solemn Stillness of the NightCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
5 Sonnets from "The Triumph of Love", Op. 82: No. 4, I Think That We Were ChildrenCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
5 Sonnets from "The Triumph of Love", Op. 82: No. 5, O Flames of PassionCharles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Andrew West
Nonsense Rhymes: No. 5, Barkerolle, Op. 369 (2)Charles Villiers Stanford, Roderick Williams, Andrew West
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.
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Charles Villiers Stanford
