Narrator Sir Simon Callow is known for his roles in "The Witcher," "Shakespeare in Love," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral," earning him two BAFTA nominations.
Compositional Technique
The texts for Francis Grier's "Sword in the Soul" were written by Rowan Williams, then Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, and the music is scored for choir, choral standout parts, cello, and organ.
Composition History
Francis Grier's "Sword in the Soul" was commissioned by BBC Radio 4 in 1991 to accompany texts for Good Friday and was broadcast from Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at St John the Evangelist, Islington, London, from January 3-5, 2023.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Francis Grier's "Sword in the Soul" demonstrates a wide interest in religion and the impact of non-Western and Indian music, with its rhythmical freedom and improvisatory quality.
Performer Biography
Narrator Samantha Bond is widely recognized for her roles as Lady Rosamund Painswick in "Downton Abbey" and Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise.
Instruments
Cellist Brian O'Kane plays a Grancino cello made in Milan in 1698, on loan from the Cruft - Grancino Trust.
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