Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English choral music with "There Is Sweet Music: English Choral Songs, 1890-1950" by The Cambridge Singers. Released on October 1, 2002, under the Collegium label, this album is a captivating journey through a golden era of British choral composition.
Spanning a mere 56 minutes, the album is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the choral works of some of England's most celebrated composers. From the lush harmonies of Charles Villiers Stanford to the evocative settings of Vaughan Williams, and the folk-inspired arrangements of Grainger and Holst, the album showcases a diverse range of styles and moods.
The Cambridge Singers, conducted by the renowned John Rutter, bring their signature clarity and precision to these performances. The ensemble's blend is impeccable, and their interpretation of these works is both sensitive and insightful. The album features a mix of well-known pieces and lesser-known gems, all united by their beauty and craftsmanship.
Highlights include Vaughan Williams' hauntingly beautiful "Three Shakespeare Songs," Delius' evocative "Summer Night on the Water," and Elgar's stirring "There Is Sweet Music." The album also features a selection of folk song arrangements, including the lively "Brigg Fair" and the poignant "Irish Tune from County Derry."
Whether you're a seasoned choral music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "There Is Sweet Music" offers a delightful and enriching listening experience. It's a testament to the enduring power of these works and the skill of The Cambridge Singers.
2002 Collegium2002 Collegium
Tracks
8 Part-Songs, Op. 119: No. 3, The Blue BirdCharles Villiers Stanford, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
2 Unaccompanied Part-Songs, RT IV/5: No. 1, To Be Sung of a Summer Night on the Water IFrederick Delius, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
2 Unaccompanied Part-Songs, RT IV/5: No. 2, To Be Sung of a Summer Night on the Water IIFrederick Delius, Mark Padmore, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
4 Part Songs, Op. 53: No. 1, There Is Sweet MusicEdward Elgar, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Part Songs, Op. 18: No. 3, My Love Dwelt in a Northern LandEdward Elgar, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 1, Full Fathom FiveRalph Vaughan Williams, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 2, The Cloud-Capp'd TowersRalph Vaughan Williams, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 3, Over Hill, Over DaleRalph Vaughan Williams, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Sailor and Young Nancy (Arr. E.J. Moeran for Choir)Ernest John Moeran, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Brigg Fair (Arr. P. Grainger for Choir)Percy Grainger, Philip Sheffield, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Irish Tune from County Derry, BFMS 29 (Arr. P. Grainger for Choir)Percy Grainger, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The 3 Ravens: The Three Ravens (Arr. E.T. Chapman for Choir)Edward T Chapman, Nicholas Sears, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
12 Welsh Folk Songs, H. 183: No. 9, My Sweetheart’s Like Venus (Arr. G. Holst for Choir)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Oak and the Ash (Arr. E. Bairstow for Choir)Edward Bairstow, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Quick! We Have But a Second (Arr. C.V. Stanford for Choir)Charles Villiers Stanford, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 1, To DaffodilsBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 2, The Succession of the Four Sweet MonthsBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 3, Marsh FlowersBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 4, The Evening PrimroseBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 5, Ballad of Green BroomBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
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