Experience the enchanting world of Gustav Holst's late romantic masterpiece, "The Cloud Messenger," reimagined in a captivating chamber version. This exquisite album, released on Delphian Records, presents a unique interpretation of Holst's powerful fifth-century tale, inspired by the Sanskrit poet Kālidāsa. The story unfolds through the voice of an exiled yaksha, a nature spirit who beseeches a passing cloud to carry a message of love to his distant wife in the Himalayas.
The album features the Choir of King's College London and the Strand Ensemble, who bring a new level of intimacy and transparency to this rarely heard work. With a duration of 58 minutes, the album includes 23 tracks that beautifully blend Holst's rich orchestration with the delicate nuances of chamber music. In addition to "The Cloud Messenger," the album also includes five partsongs from Holst's Op. 12, H. 61, offering a comprehensive exploration of his late romantic style.
"Holst: The Cloud Messenger" is a sumptuous expression of late-romanticism, showcasing Holst's deep connection to ancient Indian literature and religion. The album's chamber version provides a fresh perspective on this timeless work, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a long-time fan of Holst's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a captivating journey into the heart of his late romantic period.
(C) 2020 Delphian Records LTD(P) 2020 Delphian Records LTD
Tracks
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Prelude - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: O thou, who com’st from Heaven’s king - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: In the city of the Great God - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Bringer of rain - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Rushing northward - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: See how all greet thee - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Behold the villages - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: As the rain descends - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Tarry not, O cloud, tarry not - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, Caitlin Goreing, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Tarry not, O cloud - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: And hark! - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Thou hast reached the snowy peaks - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: And see! The Great God himself - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Chorus (Moderato maestoso) – Vivace - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: When the dancers are weary - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: Wait near her flower-covered window - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: The Message (I, the bringer of the rain) - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
The Cloud Messenger, Op. 30, H. 111: 'Beloved!' - Chamber VersionGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
Five Partsongs, Op. 12, H. 61: Dream TrystGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
Five Partsongs, Op. 12, H. 61: Ye little birdsGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
Five Partsongs, Op. 12, H. 61: Her eyes the glow-worm lend theeGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
Five Partsongs, Op. 12, H. 61: Now is the month of MayingGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
Five Partsongs, Op. 12, H. 61: Come to meGustav Holst, The Choir of King's College London, Joseph Fort, The Strand Ensemble
Gustav Holst, born in Cheltenham in 1874, was an English composer whose name is synonymous with his monumental orchestral suite "The Planets." While this work remains his most celebrated, Holst's compositional journey was marked by a rich blend of influences, from the grandeur of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss to the folk revival of early 20th-century England and the modernist innovations of composers like Maurice Ravel. His music transcends mere notes on a page, offering a deep dive into his passions for Eastern mysticism, astronomy, and literature. Despite battling health issues, including neuritis and partial deafness, Holst's output was prolific and diverse, spanning various genres and leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Beyond "The Planets," his works like "Savitri" and "The Hymn of Jesus" showcase his unique style and innovative orchestration, making him one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.
Vinylscout
Gustav Holst
