The work Verdun: Solemn March and Heroic Epilogue, Op 151, was originally the last two movements of Stanford's Organ Sonata No 2 'Eroica', which he then arranged for full orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Stanford's Fairy Day, Op 131, reflects his brilliance in an 'Urlicht' idiom, reminiscent of Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and anticipates the transparent ballet music of his last opera.
Composition History
Stanford's Overture in the style of a tragedy, Op 90, was completed in 1903, but its purpose and any performance during his lifetime are unknown.
Composer Biography
Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) composed no fewer than five organ sonatas during 1917 and 1918.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Ulster Hall, Belfast, from August 27-29, 2018, with Ben Connellan as the Recording Engineer and Annabel Connellan as the Recording Producer.
Compositional Technique
Stanford, a brilliant orchestrator, had the rare ability to orchestrate keyboard music with legerdemain, making his orchestrations a model for aspiring instrumentalists.
Performer Biography
Howard Shelley, the conductor on this album, has a discography exceeding 160 albums and has been recognized with an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Music and an OBE for services to classical music.
