Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English classical music with Christopher Maltman's captivating album, "English Orchestral Songs: Finzi, Gurney, Stanford & Parry." Released in 1999 under the Hyperion label, this collection is a testament to the timeless beauty of choral and orchestral works by some of England's most celebrated composers.
The album spans a diverse range of styles and moods, from the hauntingly beautiful "The North Wind" by Hubert Parry to the intricate "An Irish Idyll in 6 Miniatures" by Charles Villiers Stanford. Christopher Maltman's powerful vocals are accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, creating a harmonious blend of voices and instruments that brings each piece to life.
With a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, the album features 18 tracks that showcase the depth and breadth of English orchestral songs. Highlights include Gerald Finzi's "Let Us Garlands Bring" and Ivor Gurney's "By a Bierside," both of which are masterfully arranged and performed. The album also includes a selection of Elizabethan songs arranged by Finzi, adding a touch of historical charm to the collection.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Christopher Maltman's exceptional vocal talent, combined with the orchestral brilliance of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, makes this a standout release that will delight and inspire.
The North WindHubert Parry, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
Prince Madoc's FarewellCharles Villiers Stanford, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
An Irish Idyll in 6 Miniatures, Op. 77: No. 2, The Fairy LoughCharles Villiers Stanford, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman
Songs of Faith, Op. 97: No. 4, To the SoulCharles Villiers Stanford, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Maltman, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Songs of Faith, Op. 97: No. 5, TearsCharles Villiers Stanford, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Maltman
Chieftain of TyrconnellCharles Villiers Stanford, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Maltman, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
The Soldier's TentHubert Parry, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman
5 Elizabethan Songs (Arr. Finzi): No. 3, Under the Greenwood TreeIvor Gurney, Christopher Maltman, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
5 Elizabethan Songs (Arr. Finzi): No. 1, OrpheusIvor Gurney, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
5 Elizabethan Songs (Arr. Finzi): No. 4, SleepIvor Gurney, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
5 Elizabethan Songs (Arr. Finzi): No. 5, SpringIvor Gurney, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
In Flanders (Arr. Howells)Ivor Gurney, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
By a Bierside (Arr. Howells)Ivor Gurney, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Maltman, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18 (Version for Strings): I. Come Away, DeathGerald Finzi, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18 (Version for Strings): II. Who Is Silvia?Gerald Finzi, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18 (Version for Strings): III. Fear No More the Heat o' the SunGerald Finzi, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18 (Version for Strings): IV. O Mistress MineGerald Finzi, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins
Let Us Garlands Bring, Op. 18 (Version for Strings): V. It Was a Lover and His LassGerald Finzi, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Maltman, Martyn Brabbins