Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ernest John Moeran's "Complete Solo Songs," a captivating collection of choral works that celebrate the beauty of nature and the depth of human experience. Released in 2010 on the prestigious Chandos label, this album spans a generous 1 hour and 40 minutes, featuring a stunning array of 58 tracks that showcase Moeran's mastery of composition.
Moeran, known for his deep connection to the pastoral landscapes of England and Ireland, weaves a tapestry of sound that is both intimate and expansive. The album opens with the serene "Spring Goeth All in White" and "When June is Come," setting a tone of tranquility and reflection that permeates throughout the collection. Each song is a gem, from the mystical "Mantle of Blue" to the evocative "Ludlow Town," a multi-part work that paints vivid pictures with its lyrical and musical storytelling.
The album is a journey through Moeran's musical evolution, featuring works inspired by poets like Robert Seymour Bridges, Padraic Colum, and John Edward Masefield. The inclusion of settings from James Joyce's poetry adds a layer of literary richness, while the Shakespearean settings offer a touch of timeless elegance. Standout pieces like "The Day of Palms" and "Rahoon" highlight Moeran's ability to blend musical sophistication with poetic sensitivity.
Performances on this album are brought to life by a stellar cast of vocalists, including Roderick Williams, Geraldine McGreevy, and Una Hunt, each lending their unique voices to Moeran's evocative compositions. The album is a testament to Moeran's enduring legacy and his ability to capture the essence of his surroundings in music.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Complete Solo Songs" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's diverse range of compositions and the exquisite performances make it a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the art of choral music.
2010 Chandos Records2010 Chandos Records
Tracks
Spring Goeth All in White, R. 8Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
When June is ComeErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Mantle of BlueErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Twilight, R. 7Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: I. When smoke stood up from LudlowErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: II. Farewell to barn and stack and treeErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: III. Say, lad, have you things to do?Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Ludlow Town, R. 9: IV. The lads in their hundredsErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Two Songs: I. The Bean FlowerErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Two Songs: II. Impromptu in MarchErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
In Youth Is Pleasure, R. 41Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Merry Month of May, R. 38Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
A Dream of Death, R. 40Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Come Away, Death, R. 39Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Troll the Bowl, R. 42Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Two Songs from the Repertoire of John Goss: I. Can't You Dance the Polka!Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot, Weybridge Male Voice Choir
Two Songs from the Repertoire of John Goss: II. Mrs Dyer, the Baby FarmerErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot, Weybridge Male Voice Choir
MaltwormsErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot, Weybridge Male Voice Choir
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: I. Strings in the earth and airErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: II. The Merry Green WoodErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: III. Bright capErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: IV. The Pleasant ValleyErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: V. DonnycarneyErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: VI. Rain has fallenErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Seven Poems by James Joyce, R. 51: VII. Now, O now, in this brown landErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Four Songs from a Shropshire Lad: II. When I came last to LudlowErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Tis time, I think, by Wenlock townErnest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Far in a western brookland, R. 44Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Loveliest of trees, R. 62Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Oh fair enough are sky and plain, R. 100 (First Version)Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Oh fair enough are sky and plain, R. 100 (Second Version)Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Oh fair enough are sky and plain, R. 100 (Third Version)Ernest John Moeran, Roderick Williams, John Talbot
Weep You No More, Sad FountainsErnest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Sweet o' the Year, R. 61Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Day of Palms, R. 18Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Blue-eyed Spring, R. 63Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Rosefrail, R. 52Ernest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
TillyErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Rahoon, R. 93Ernest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: I. Cherry RipeErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: II. Willow SongErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: III. The Constant LoverErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four English Lyrics, R. 69: IV. The Passionate ShepherdErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: I. The Lover and his LassErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: II. Where the bee sucksErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: III. When daisies piedErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Four Shakespeare Songs, R. 76: IV. When icicles hang by the wallErnest John Moeran, Geraldine McGreevy, John Talbot
Diaphenia, R. 72Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
Rosaline, R. 73Ernest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot
The Monk's FancyErnest John Moeran, Adrian Thompson, John Talbot