There is Sweet Music: Part-Songs by Sir Edward Elgar

Featuring

Stephen Shellard
Proteus Ensemble
Edward Elgar

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Composer Biography

Elgar's dedication to composing part-songs was lifelong, and these works trace his evolution as a composer.

Performer Biography

Stephen Shellard, the conductor, was the youngest ever Alto Lay Vicar Choral in the 800-year history of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

Compositional Technique

Elgar's part-song "There is sweet music" (Op. 53 No. 1) is notable for being in two keys simultaneously: A flat for sopranos and altos, and G for tenors and basses.

Historical Context

Elgar was commissioned to compose "To her beneath whose stedfast star" for a tribute to Queen Victoria on her 80th birthday, intended as a Victorian "Triumphs of Oriana."

Interpretation

The conductor, Stephen Shellard, reduced the choral forces to eight voices for this recording to reveal the music's "innermost musical secrets."

Performer Biography

Stephen Shellard founded the Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir in 1998, which historically introduced female voices into a vocal ensemble at the Cathedral for the first time in 900 years.

Recording & Production

The idea for this recording originated from internationally renowned recording producer Andrew Keener, who approached the Proteus Ensemble after a concert.