Granville Bantock: Omar Khayyám

Granville Bantock's majestic masterpiece, 'Omar Khayyám', is a sweeping choral work that showcases the composer's remarkable facility, imagination, and inspired use of orchestral and vocal forces. This epic composition, scored for a large orchestra, chorus, and three solo vocalists, is a testament to Bantock's unique blend of influences, including Wagner, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss, and Brahms.

Originally written between 1906 and 1909, 'Omar Khayyám' is a setting of Edward FitzGerald's translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, a collection of poems attributed to the 11th-century Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet. This complete recording, released in 2016 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Bantock's death, features the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers under the baton of Norman Del Mar.

The album is a sprawling, four-hour masterpiece that explores the depths of human existence, love, and mortality. With its lush orchestration and soaring vocal lines, 'Omar Khayyám' is a work of unbridled passion and beauty, transporting listeners to a world of mysticism and wonder. Granville Bantock's music, once neglected, is now recognised as a significant contribution to 20th-century classical music, and this recording is a powerful testament to his artistry.

Released on the Lyrita label, 'Granville Bantock: Omar Khayyám' is a must-listen for fans of classical music, particularly those interested in exploring the lesser-known works of a remarkable composer. With its rich soundscapes and profound emotional resonance, this album is an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who hear it.