Stanford: Mass via victrix, Op. 173

Featuring

Adrian Frederick Partington
Kiandra Howarth
Jess Dandy
Ruairi Bowen
Gareth Brynmore John
BBC National Orchestra of Wales

BBC National Chorus of Wales
Charles Villiers Stanford

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Performer Biography

Adrian Partington, the conductor, is the Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral and the Artistic Director of the BBC National Chorus of Wales and the Gloucester Three Choirs Festival.

Critical Reception

Despite Stanford's hopes, the Mass 'Via Victrix' remained largely unperformed for almost a century after its vocal score was published, as there was little interest in music by the 'older' generation.

Recording & Production

This recording of the Mass 'Via Victrix 1914-1918' Op. 173 marks its first full performance in nearly a century, edited by Jeremy Dibble to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice.

Composition History

Stanford's 'At the Abbey Gate' Op. 177 was inspired by a poem by Mr. Justice Charles John Darling, published in The Times, to commemorate the unveiling of the Cenotaph and the interment of the Unknown Warrior in 1920.

Historical Context

The Mass 'Via Victrix 1914-1918' Op. 173 was dedicated to those who made the greatest sacrifice in defense of their country during World War I.

Composition History

Charles Villiers Stanford composed the Mass 'Via Victrix 1914-1918' Op. 173 to commemorate the Allied victory in World War I, hoping it would appeal to choral societies.