Dive into the rich tapestry of English classical music with Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields in their latest release, "English String Music: Britten, Holst, Purcell, Vaughan Williams...". This exquisite collection, set to release on January 26, 2024, under Warner Classics, is a celebration of some of the most beloved and enduring works of the English string repertoire.
Spanning a little over an hour and twenty-one minutes, the album features 21 tracks that showcase the brilliance of composers such as Benjamin Britten, Gustav Holst, Henry Purcell, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and more. From the lively and playful pieces of Britten's "Simple Symphony" to the majestic and sweeping movements of Tippett's "Concerto for Double String Orchestra," each track is a testament to the depth and diversity of English string music.
Sir Neville Marriner, a renowned conductor and founder of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, brings his unparalleled expertise and passion to this recording. His interpretation of these timeless pieces is both sensitive and dynamic, offering a fresh perspective on familiar works while also introducing listeners to lesser-known gems.
The album opens with Holst's "St. Paul's Suite," a piece that has become synonymous with British musical heritage. It continues with a selection of works that highlight the unique character and charm of English string music, from the delicate and introspective to the bold and dramatic. Delius's "2 Aquarelles," Purcell's "Chacony in G Minor," and Vaughan Williams's "3 Preludes Founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes" are just a few of the highlights that await the listener.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey through the world of English string music. With Sir Neville Marriner at the helm, you are in for a treat that is sure to delight and inspire.
Holst: St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2: I. JigGustav Holst, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Holst: St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2: II. OstinatoGustav Holst, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Holst: St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2: III. IntermezzoGustav Holst, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Holst: St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2: IV. Finale. The DargasonGustav Holst, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Delius: 2 Aquarelles: No. 1, Slow (Arr. Fenby for String Orchestra)Frederick Delius, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Delius: 2 Aquarelles: No. 2, Gaily, But Not Quick (Arr. Fenby for String Orchestra)Frederick Delius, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Purcell: Chacony in G Minor, Z. 730Henry Purcell, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Vaughan Williams: 3 Preludes Founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes: No. 2, Rhosymedre (Arr. Foster for String Orchestra)Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Walton: Henry V: Passacaglia "Death of Falstaff"William Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Walton: Henry V: Touch Her Soft Lips and PartWilliam Walton, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4: I. Boisterous BourréeBenjamin Britten, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4: II. Playful PizzicatoBenjamin Britten, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4: III. Sentimental SarabandBenjamin Britten, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4: IV. Frolicsome FinaleBenjamin Britten, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Little Music for String Orchestra: I. Prelude. MaestosoMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Little Music for String Orchestra: II. Fugue. Allegro moderatoMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Little Music for String Orchestra: III. Air. Andante espressivoMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Little Music for String Orchestra: IV. Finale. VivaceMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Concerto for Double String Orchestra: I. Allegro con brioMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Concerto for Double String Orchestra: II. Adagio cantabileMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tippett: Concerto for Double String Orchestra: III. Allegro moltoMichael Tippett, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
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