Dive into the profound and patriotic compositions of Edward Elgar with "Elgar: The Binyon Settings," a captivating album that commemorates the outbreak of World War I through the masterful blend of Elgar's music and the poetry of Laurence Binyon. This album, released by SOMM Recordings in 2014, features a rich tapestry of orchestral and choral works that pay tribute to the courage and resilience of a nation at war.
The album opens with "The Spirit of England," a trio of choral works that set Binyon's poignant verses to Elgar's stirring music. These pieces, "The Fourth of August," "To Women," and "For the Fallen," are some of the most moving and enduring works from the World War I era. "For the Fallen," in particular, contains Binyon's famous "Ode for the Fallen," which has become an iconic tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.
In addition to these well-known works, the album also includes the first-ever recording of the complete incidental music that Edward Elgar composed for Binyon's 1919 verse play about King Arthur. This suite of orchestral pieces provides a fascinating glimpse into Elgar's later compositional style and his enduring fascination with the Arthurian legend.
Performed by the Orchestra of St. Paul's and conducted by Ben Palmer, this album showcases the full range of Elgar's orchestral and choral writing. The performances are vivid and nuanced, bringing out the full depth and complexity of Elgar's scores. Whether you're a longtime fan of Edward Elgar or a newcomer to his music, "Elgar: The Binyon Settings" is an essential addition to your classical music collection. The album's duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience, filled with moments of profound beauty and powerful expression.
Tracks
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: No. 1, The Fourth of AugustEdward Elgar, Judith Howarth, London Symphony Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Wilson
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: No. 2, To WomenEdward Elgar, Judith Howarth, London Symphony Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Wilson
The Spirit of England, Op. 80: No. 3, For the FallenEdward Elgar, Judith Howarth, London Symphony Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Wilson
With Proud ThanksgivingEdward Elgar, London Symphony Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Wilson
Carillon, Op. 75Edward Elgar, Simon Callow, BBC Concert Orchestra, John Wilson
Arthur, Introduction to Scene 1Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 1: Now You Have Told MeEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: End of Scene 1Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Introduction to Scene 2Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Introduction to Scene 3Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 3: Put Me on the BargeEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Link to Scene 4Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Introduction to Scene 4Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: Curtain RisesEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: And Both DangerousEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: It May BeEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: The QueenEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: King Arthur's FellowshipEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: As the King WillsEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: The Radiant RoseEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: Our Queen!Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: Ah FalseEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 4: Reading LetterEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Introduction to Scene 5Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 5: No Tree Was ThereEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Introduction to Scene 7Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 7: Go Lucan, to Meet HerEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur, Scene 7: Thy SwordEdward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: End of Scene 7Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
Arthur: Introduction to Scene 8Edward Elgar, Orchestra of St. Paul's, Ben Palmer
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