Immerse yourself in the rich musical tapestry of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Clarinet Quintet in F Sharp Minor / 4 African Dances / Nonet in F Minor," a captivating collection of works that showcase the brilliance of this British composer and conductor. Released in 2004 on Centaur Records, this album spans a little over an hour and eleven minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Coleridge-Taylor's diverse compositions.
The album opens with the Clarinet Quintet in F Sharp Minor, Op. 10, a four-movement piece that highlights the expressive range of the clarinet alongside a string quartet. The work is characterized by its lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies, demonstrating Coleridge-Taylor's mastery of classical form.
Following the quintet, the "4 African Dances, Op. 58" bring a lively and rhythmic energy to the album. These dances, inspired by African folk music, are a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's innovative fusion of European classical traditions with African musical elements. Each dance offers a unique mood and tempo, from the energetic "Allegro" of the first dance to the tender "Andantino molto sostenuto e dolce" of the second.
The album concludes with the Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2, a substantial four-movement work that showcases Coleridge-Taylor's early compositional prowess. The nonet, scored for a diverse ensemble of winds and strings, is notable for its rich textures and dynamic contrasts.
This album is a treasure trove for fans of classical music, offering a rare opportunity to explore the works of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a composer whose contributions to the genre are both significant and underappreciated. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to classical music, this collection promises a rewarding listening experience.
2004 Centaur Records, Inc.2004 Centaur Records, Inc.
Tracks
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: I. Allegro moderatoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: II. Larghetto affettuosoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: III. Allegro leggieroSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10: IV. Allegro agitatoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 1, In G Minor: AllegroSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 2, In F Major: Andantino molto sostenuto e dolceSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 3, In A Major: Allegro con brioSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
4 African Dances, Op. 58: No. 4, In D Minor: Allegro energicoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, John Fadial, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: I. Allegro energicoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: II. Andante con motoSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegroSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Nonet in F Minor, Op. 2: IV. Finale. Allegro vivaceSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kelly Burke, Mary Ashley Barret, Lynn Huntzinger Beck, Michael Burns, John Fadial, Janet Orenstein, Scott Rawls, Brooks Whitehouse, Andrew Harley
Vinylscout