British music at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

British music at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Sep 26, 2022 | Features

Many of us who watched the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II on 19 September will have been moved by the thoughtful choice of music old and new. Highlights included new settings by the Master of the Queen’s (now King’s) music, Judith Weir and Scottish composer...
CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD: Children’s Songs

CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD: Children’s Songs

Sep 22, 2022 | CD reviews

Kitty Whately mezzo-sopranoGareth Brynmor John baritoneSusie Allan piano SOMM Recordings SOMMCD 0655 I still remember as a small child in midsummer, being reluctantly forced into bed in the early evening. Sunlight was still streaming through closed curtains, and I...
From Sheffield orphan to distinguished musician

From Sheffield orphan to distinguished musician

Sep 22, 2022 | Features

The early years of William Sterndale Bennett On a recent visit to the city of Sheffield – the city of Steel – my attention was struck by an impressive monument in the Cathedral commemorating Sir William Sterndale Bennett which led to some interesting local...
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Serenade

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Serenade

Sep 21, 2022 | CD reviews

Tredegar Town Band Ian Porthouse conductorChapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea  ALBION RECORDS  ALBCD053 Serenade is due for release on 12 October 2022, the 150th birthday of Ralph Vaughan Williams. Here are 19 tracks, some of them, though by no means all,...
ELGAR: Complete Organ Works

ELGAR: Complete Organ Works

Sep 20, 2022 | CD reviews

Tom Winpenny organ NAXOS 8.574366 This interesting and attractive CD contains just two works which Elgar composed specifically for organ: the Organ Sonata No.1 in G major, Op.28, and Vesper Voluntaries, Op.14. There are also three works of which the composer himself...