Francis Grier's "Around the Curve of the World" is a captivating choral journey released in 2014 under SOMM Recordings. This album is a testament to Grier's compositional prowess, blending the genres of choral and requiem music into a cohesive and compelling narrative. Spanning 13 tracks and a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of vocal and instrumental artistry.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from canticles and psalms to narratives, each contributing to the overarching theme. Notable tracks include "Around the Curve of the World: Canticle 1. Praise the Lord" and "Around the Curve of the World: Third Psalm. My breath lies quiet," which showcase the depth and range of the choral performances. The collaboration with Stephen Darlington and the Oxford University Chamber Orchestra adds a layer of sophistication and elegance to the compositions.
Francis Grier's work on this album is a standout in his discography, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The album's intricate structure and the seamless integration of various vocal and instrumental parts make it a remarkable addition to any music collection. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply appreciate well-crafted compositions, "Around the Curve of the World" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2014 SOMM Recordings2014 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Around the Curve of the World: Canticle 1. Praise the Lord (Emigrant Woman, Chorus, Emigrant Man)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Daniel Norman, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Darlington, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Around the Curve of the World: Narrative 1. Now the Lord said unto Abraham (All)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Norman, Paul Whelan, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: First Psalm. I rise in the morning (All)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Norman, Paul Whelan, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Narrative 2. Behold, a sower went out to sow (All)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Norman, Paul Whelan, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Canticle 1. The dry land is left behind (Chorus)Francis Grier, Stephen Darlington, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Around the Curve of the World: Narrative 3. Thus saith the Lord (John Godley, Charlotte Godley)Francis Grier, Paul Whelan, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Second Psalm. How deep are your oceans! (All)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Norman, Paul Whelan, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Narrative 4. The ship was now in the midst (John Godley, Emigrant Woman)Francis Grier, Paul Whelan, Patricia Rozario, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Canticle 3. The sea teems with life (Chorus)Francis Grier, Stephen Darlington, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Around the Curve of the World: Narrative 5. Now therefore ye are not strangers (All)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Norman, Paul Whelan, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Third Psalm. My breath lies quiet (Chorus)Francis Grier, Stephen Darlington, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Around the Curve of the World: Narrative 6. He is like the man (All)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Anne Schwanewilms, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Norman, Paul Whelan, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
Around the Curve of the World: Canticle 4. Praise to our God! (Chorus, Emigrant Woman, Emigrant Man)Francis Grier, Patricia Rozario, Daniel Norman, Oxford University Chamber Orchestra, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington
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