Sir Patrick Spens
Naxos announces the 29 May 2007 release of Howells' Hymnus Paradisi plus the world première recording of his recently re-discovered Sir Patrick Spens. The performers are James Gilchrist (Hymnus Paradisi), Claire Rutter, Roderick Williams (Sir Patrick Spens), The Bach Choir and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Hill. Written around 1922, Sir Patrick Spens is scored for epic forces and its dramatic narrative and deeply-rooted British idiom show the strong influence of Howells's teacher, Stanford. The work was re-discovered by Paul Spicer in the library of the Royal College of Music, where Howells both studied and later taught composition. Based on a Scottish Ballad, this piece shows a very different side to the composer's output as it was written before his music became embedded in his distinctive 'Anglican' style. Arguably one of the finest masterpieces of the twentieth century and Howells' most important work, Hymnus Paradisi was written in response to the death of the composer's nine year old son and shows a remarkable intensity, optimism and tenderness. Due to the deeply personal nature of the work, Hymnus Paradisi remained unperformed until 1950.
Information: www.classicalmusicdaily.com/articles/r/n/naxos-records.htm
Posted: 20 May 2007
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