Stanford: The Bible Songs

On this CD:

1. Festal Communion Services for chorus & orchestra (or organ) in B flat major, Op. 128 "Coronation" Gloria in excelsis
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford

2. Biblical Songs and Anthems (6) for voice, chorus & organ, Op 113
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford
Performed by Andrew Lucas, Andrew Parnell, Kenneth Burgess

3. How beauteous are their feet, anthem
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford
Performed by Andrew Parnell

4. O Living Will
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford

5. Arise, shine, for thy light is come, anthem for chorus & organ
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford
Performed by Andrew Parnell

6. Blessed City, Heavenly Salem, anthem for chorus & organ, Op. 134
Composed by Charles Villiers Stanford
Performed by Andrew Parnell

Tracks:

Stabat Mater, Op. 96: I Prelude
Stabat Mater, Op. 96: II Quartet And Chorus: 'Stabat Mater, Dolorosa'
Stabat Mater, Op. 96: III Intermezzo
Stabat Mater, Op. 96: IV Quartet And Chorus: 'Eja Mater, Fons Amoris'
Stabat Mater, Op. 96: V Quartet And Chorus: 'Virgo Virginum Praeclara'
Bible Songs, Op. 113: 1 A Song Of Freedom
Bible Songs, Op. 113: 2 A Song Of Trust
Bible Songs, Op. 113: 3 A Song Of Hope
Bible Songs, Op. 113: 4 A Song Of Peace
Bible Songs, Op. 113: 5 A Song Of Battle
Bible Songs, Op. 113: 6 A Song of Wisdom
Te Deum laudamus: Maestoso E Non Troppo Mosso

Customer Reviews:

Too long unheard.......2000-06-16

Finally, here's a recording of one of Stanford's greatest works, by all accounts. Unlike other Stabat Maters I have listened to, this one has interesting moments from beginning to end and is magnificently played and sung. There is a freshness to the writing and a sense of drama one very rarely finds in religious music. There is one point in the last movement where it is not difficult to imagine the gates of Hell opening, but then the resolution (a glimpse of heaven?) is equally remarkable. Anyone who enjoys English choral music (not necessarily just religious music) will enjoy this CD.