Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English choral music with "There Is Sweet Music: English Choral Songs, 1890-1950" by The Cambridge Singers. This captivating album, released on October 1, 2002, under the Collegium label, is a beautifully curated collection of choral works that span the first half of the 20th century. With a duration of 56 minutes, it offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the genre, showcasing the evolution and diversity of English choral music during this period.
The Cambridge Singers, renowned for their impeccable harmonies and expressive performances, bring to life a variety of compositions, from part-songs and folk song arrangements to Shakespearean settings. The album features works by notable composers such as Vaughan Williams, Holst, and Stanford, as well as lesser-known but equally captivating pieces. Highlights include the enchanting "Brigg Fair" and "Irish Tune from County Derry," both arranged by Percy Grainger, and the evocative "5 Flower Songs" by Charles Villiers Stanford.
Whether you're a seasoned choral music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful journey through a golden age of English choral composition. The Cambridge Singers' pristine vocals and nuanced interpretations make this a standout release that is sure to resonate with any lover of choral music.
2002 Collegium2002 Collegium
Tracks
8 Part-Songs, Op. 119: No. 3, The Blue BirdCharles Villiers Stanford, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
2 Unaccompanied Part-Songs, RT IV/5: No. 1, To Be Sung of a Summer Night on the Water IFrederick Delius, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
2 Unaccompanied Part-Songs, RT IV/5: No. 2, To Be Sung of a Summer Night on the Water IIFrederick Delius, Mark Padmore, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
4 Part Songs, Op. 53: No. 1, There Is Sweet MusicEdward Elgar, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Part Songs, Op. 18: No. 3, My Love Dwelt in a Northern LandEdward Elgar, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 1, Full Fathom FiveRalph Vaughan Williams, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 2, The Cloud-Capp'd TowersRalph Vaughan Williams, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 3, Over Hill, Over DaleRalph Vaughan Williams, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Sailor and Young Nancy (Arr. E.J. Moeran for Choir)Ernest John Moeran, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Brigg Fair (Arr. P. Grainger for Choir)Percy Grainger, Philip Sheffield, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Irish Tune from County Derry, BFMS 29 (Arr. P. Grainger for Choir)Percy Grainger, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The 3 Ravens: The Three Ravens (Arr. E.T. Chapman for Choir)Edward T Chapman, Nicholas Sears, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
12 Welsh Folk Songs, H. 183: No. 9, My Sweetheart’s Like Venus (Arr. G. Holst for Choir)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Oak and the Ash (Arr. E. Bairstow for Choir)Edward Bairstow, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Quick! We Have But a Second (Arr. C.V. Stanford for Choir)Charles Villiers Stanford, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 1, To DaffodilsBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 2, The Succession of the Four Sweet MonthsBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 3, Marsh FlowersBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 4, The Evening PrimroseBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Flower Songs, Op. 47: No. 5, Ballad of Green BroomBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter