Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse musical landscape of Charles Villiers Stanford's "Songs of Faith, Love and Nonsense." This captivating album, released on January 22, 2021, under the SOMM Recordings label, offers a unique blend of choral and requiem genres, spanning a total of 78 minutes.
Stanford, an Irish composer and conductor, was a prominent figure in late 19th and early 20th-century British music. His works are known for their technical mastery, emotional depth, and rich harmonies. This album showcases his versatility and range, featuring pieces that explore themes of faith, love, and whimsy.
The album opens with "Songs of Faith, Op. 97," a set of deeply spiritual and introspective pieces that highlight Stanford's ability to convey profound emotions through choral music. Following this, the "3 Songs of Robert Bridges, Op. 43" offer a more intimate and lyrical experience, setting the words of the poet Robert Bridges to music.
The "Shamus O'Brien, Op. 61" excerpts provide a glimpse into Stanford's Irish heritage, with folk-inspired melodies and rhythms that are both lively and nostalgic. The "Nonsense Rhymes" section brings a playful and lighthearted touch to the album, showcasing Stanford's ability to compose music that is both technically complex and delightfully whimsical.
The album concludes with "5 Sonnets from 'The Triumph of Love', Op. 82," a set of deeply romantic and passionate pieces that demonstrate Stanford's ability to convey the full range of human emotion through his music.
Whether you are a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Songs of Faith, Love and Nonsense" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. So sit back, relax, and let the music of Charles Villiers Stanford transport you to another time and place.
2021 SOMM Recordings2021 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
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