Immerse yourself in the profound and resonant choral masterpiece "Requiem" by Charles Villiers Stanford, a work that stands as a testament to the composer's deep musical insight and emotional depth. This 2023 release on the Hyperion label presents Stanford's Requiem, Op. 63, a piece originally composed in 1896, in a meticulously crafted recording that captures the essence of this rarely heard requiem mass.
The album features the University of Birmingham Voices, with soloists Carolyn Sampson and Marta Fontanals-Simmons, delivering nearly flawless choral performances that bring Stanford's vision to life. The Requiem, Op. 63, was written in memory of a friend, a Catholic classics scholar, and reflects Stanford's own Anglican background, blending elements of both traditions into a cohesive and moving musical experience.
Spanning 30 tracks and a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album includes all the traditional sections of the requiem mass, from the solemn "Introit" to the hopeful "Lux Aeterna." Each movement is performed with precision and passion, highlighting the intricate harmonies and rich textures that Stanford is known for. David Kettle's informative liner notes provide valuable context and insights into the composition and its historical significance, enriching the listening experience.
Whether you are a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Stanford: Requiem" offers a compelling exploration of one of the most significant works by Charles Villiers Stanford. This recording is a tribute to the enduring power of music to honor and remember, and it stands as a remarkable addition to any classical music collection.
Requiem, Op. 63: Ia. Introit. Requiem aeternam –Charles Villiers Stanford, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, University of Birmingham Voices, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: Ib. Te decet hymnus –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: Ic. Requiem aeternamCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IIa. Kyrie I –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, James Way, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IIb. Kyrie IICharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IIc. Kyrie IIICharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IIIa. Gradual. Requiem aeternam –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, James Way, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IIIb. In memoria aeternaCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, James Way, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVa. Sequence. Dies irae –Charles Villiers Stanford, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVb. Tuba mirum –Charles Villiers Stanford, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVc. Liber scriptus profereturCharles Villiers Stanford, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVd. Quid sum miser?Charles Villiers Stanford, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, University of Birmingham Voices, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVe. Quem patronum rogaturus? –Charles Villiers Stanford, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, University of Birmingham Voices, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVf. Rex tremendae maiestatis –Charles Villiers Stanford, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Carolyn Sampson, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVg. Recordare, Jesu pieCharles Villiers Stanford, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVh. Quaerens me –Charles Villiers Stanford, Ross Ramgobin, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, University of Birmingham Voices, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVi. Iuste iudex ultionis –Charles Villiers Stanford, James Way, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVj. Inter oves locum praestaCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, James Way, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVk. Confutatis maledictis –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVl. Lacrimosa dies illa –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: IVm. Pie Jesu DomineCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: Va. Offertorium: Domine Jesu Christe –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: Vb. Quam olim Abrahae promisistiCharles Villiers Stanford, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: Vc. Hostias et preces tibi –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, James Way, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: Vd. Transire ad vitam … Quam olim Abrahae promisistiCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, University of Birmingham Voices, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Ross Ramgobin, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: VIa. Sanctus –Charles Villiers Stanford, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: VIb. Benedictus –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, James Way, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: VIc. OsannaCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: VIIa. Agnus Dei –Charles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Requiem, Op. 63: VIIb. Lux aeternaCharles Villiers Stanford, Carolyn Sampson, James Way, Ross Ramgobin, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, University of Birmingham Voices, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Charles Villiers Stanford, an Anglo-Irish composer, conductor, and music teacher, left an indelible mark on the late Romantic era. Born into a musically inclined family in Dublin, Stanford's journey took him from the halls of the University of Cambridge to the vibrant music scenes of Leipzig and Berlin. His compositions, particularly his choral works and requiems, are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical mastery. Stanford was not just a composer but also a mentor to many of Britain's finest musical talents, serving as Professor of Music at Cambridge and Professor of Composition at the Royal College of Music. His influence extended beyond his compositions, as he elevated the status of the Cambridge University Musical Society, attracting international stars to perform with it. Stanford's legacy endures, inspiring both scholars and enthusiasts alike with his rich musical heritage.
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Charles Villiers Stanford
