Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Edward Elgar's "Ecce sacerdos magnus," a captivating journey through the realms of classical orchestral music. Released on March 16, 2018, under the esteemed SOMM Recordings label, this album is a testament to Elgar's enduring legacy and his profound ability to blend sacred and secular themes into a harmonious whole.
Spanning a little over an hour and seventeen minutes, the album is a diverse collection of Elgar's most celebrated works. It opens with the resplendent "Ecce sacerdos magnus," a choral piece that showcases Elgar's mastery of sacred music. The "Te Deum laudamus" and the "Benedictus" from his Op. 34 further explore this theme, their soaring melodies and intricate harmonies a testament to Elgar's deep spiritual insight.
The album also features a selection of Elgar's secular works, each offering a unique glimpse into his musical versatility. "Spanish Serenade," with its lively rhythms and vibrant orchestration, transports the listener to the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain. Meanwhile, "Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands" paints a vivid musical portrait of the German countryside, each movement evoking a different aspect of its natural beauty.
The album concludes with the "Benedictus" from Elgar's Mass No. 14 in B-Flat Major, a piece that brings the album full circle, its serene beauty a fitting finale to this remarkable collection. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Ecce sacerdos magnus" is an album that promises to enchant and inspire.
2018 SOMM Recordings2018 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Ecce sacerdos magnusEdward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Te Deum laudamus, Op. 34 No. 1Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Benedictus, Op. 34 No. 2Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
O Hearken Thou, Op. 64Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Psalm 48, Op. 67 "Great Is the Lord"Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Psalm 29, Op. 74 "Give unto the Lord"Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Spanish Serenade, Op. 23 (Stars of the Summer Night)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27: No. 1, The Dance (Sonnenbichl)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27: No. 2, False Love (Wamberg)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27: No. 3, Lullaby (In Hammersbach)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27: No. 4, Aspiration (Bei Sankt Anton)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27: No. 5, On the Alm (Hoch Alp)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27: No. 6, The Marksmen (Bei Murnau)Edward Elgar, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Mass No. 14 in B-Flat Major, Hob. XXII:14 "Harmoniemesse": BenedictusJoseph Haydn, Brighton Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
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