Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of Edward Elgar's choral masterpieces with "Elgar: The Music Makers & The Spirit of England." This 2018 release on the Chandos label brings together two of Elgar's most profound works, performed by the esteemed BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, under the baton of Andrew Davis.
"The Music Makers," Op. 69, is a grand choral symphony that celebrates the power of music and its creators. Inspired by Arthur O'Shaughnessy's poem, this piece is a testament to Elgar's ability to blend poetry and music into a transcendent experience. The work is divided into nine movements, each exploring different facets of the musician's role in society, from inspiration to legacy.
"The Spirit of England," Op. 80, is a poignant reflection on the impact of war, drawing from the experiences of World War I. This three-movement work captures the sorrow, resilience, and gratitude of a nation affected by conflict. The inclusion of quotations from Elgar's own "The Dream of Gerontius" adds a layer of spiritual depth to the composition.
Featuring the powerful vocals of Sarah Connolly and Andrew Staples, this album is a stunning showcase of Elgar's choral writing. The performances are both technically impressive and deeply moving, bringing to life the complex emotions and themes of these works. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or new to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to Elgar's choral repertoire. The duration of the album is 1 hour and 1 minute.
2018 Chandos Records2018 Chandos Records
Tracks
The Music Makers, Op. 69: I. IntroductionEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra
The Music Makers, Op. 69: II. We are the music makers (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: III. With wonderful deathless ditties (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: IV. We, in the ages lying (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: V. A breath of our inspiration (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: VI. They had no vision amazing (Contralto)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: VII. And therefore to-day is thrilling (Contralto and Chorus)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: VIII. But we, with our dreaming and singing (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Music Makers, Op. 69: IX. Great hail! we cry to the comers (Contralto)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: I. The Fourth of AugustEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Staples, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: II. To WomenEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Staples, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: III. For the Fallen (With Proud Thanksgiving)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Staples, BBC Symphony Chorus
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