IDAGIO | Blake: The Passion of Mary - 4 Songs of the Nativity 747313245376

Featuring

Howard Blake
Patricia Rozario
Robert William Blake
Richard Edgar-Wilson
David Wilson-Johnson
Tamsin Dalley

Simon Biazeck
Richard Fallas
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
London Voices

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Performer Biography

Robert William Blake, the treble soloist, is Howard Blake's eleven-year-old son and won a competition for best solo choir boy at the Rättvik Boys Choir Festival.

Performer Biography

Patricia Rozario, the soprano soloist, has inspired composers like Arvo Pärt and Sir John Tavener to write numerous works for her unique voice and artistry.

Composer Biography

Howard Blake studied piano and composition at the Royal Academy of Music, where he sang tenor in the choir and has fond memories of performances attended by Vaughan Williams.

Composition History

The Passion of Mary, Op. 577, was sparked by a performance of Blake's earlier oratorio Benedictus and was commissioned by The Summer Music Society of Dorset.

Composer Biography

Howard Blake, the composer, began his affinity with choral music as a six-year-old choirboy in Brighton, later becoming lead treble and assistant organist.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Howard Blake broadened the concept for The Passion of Mary to view the entire life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, the Mother, rather than a traditional Stabat Mater.

Composition History

The Four Songs of the Nativity, Op. 415, were commissioned by Sir David Willcocks for the Bach Choir and London Brass, with the premiere conducted by Blake himself.