Farrar: Orchestral Works

Featuring

Alasdair Mitchell
Howard Shelley
Philharmonia Orchestra
Ernest Bristow Farrar

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Historical Context

Ernest Farrar voluntarily enlisted in the Grenadier Guards in December 1915 and was killed in action on September 18, 1918, leading his men in the Battle of Epéhy Ronssoy.

Composer Biography

Ernest Farrar, an exact contemporary of George Butterworth, was considered one of the most promising composers of his generation before his death in World War I.

Recording & Production

The full scores of four of Farrar's works for voices and orchestra are missing, and new material for this recording was commissioned by the R.V.W. Trust based on manuscripts in the Bodleian Library.

Composition History

Farrar's teacher, Sir Charles Stanford, and Sir Hubert Parry, both prominent figures in British music, furthered his early career by recommending him for organist positions.

Critical Reception

Despite efforts by his teacher Sir Charles Stanford and his widow, Farrar's music fell into neglect after his death, with no major recordings until this album.

Cultural Impact

Farrar's untimely death prompted musical tributes from close friends, including Frank Bridge, who dedicated his 1924 Piano Sonata to him, and Gerald Finzi, who wrote his Requiem da camera 'in memory of E.B.F.'.

Performer Biography

Howard Shelley, the pianist on this recording, began his career in 1971 and has performed and recorded complete cycles of Rachmaninov's solo piano works and concertos.