Song of Songs

This disc of choral and organ works centres on the mystery and beauty of the words of the Old Testament, with stunning performances from Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, the English Chamber Orchestra and Patrick’s own choir Conventus.

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Description

“Taking the Old Testament as his inspiration, Classic FM’s former composer in residence has come up with a new choral disc of mystery and beauty.”
Classic FM Magazine

This disc of choral and organ works centres on the mystery and beauty of the words of the Old Testament, with stunning performances from Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and Patrick’s own choral group Conventus.

The collection of love poetry which forms the Old Testament’s Song of Songs is the basis for the opening collection of six choral works focussing on the relationship of romantic and erotic love to spirituality.  They express desire, hope, confusion and joy; the whole range of emotions experienced by the lover – but there is no final consummation.  The metaphors of vine, wine, garden and fountain are ones that prefigure the language of Christian spirituality.  They provide Christian spirituality with a language of love that is both sensual and spiritual, of earth and of heaven.  The text for these songs is faithful to the text of the Bible but poetic licence has provided a narrative structure and the development of some metaphors.  The cry of the lover to the beloved, the heightening of the senses through sumptuous smells and tastes, and the imagery of fire provide a rich basis for a certain type of music – music born out of our time, yes, but which also draws upon the timelessness of tonality, consonance and balance.

Other works for choir and organ (When Israel was a Child and O Lord our Governor) and a cappella choir (Perfect LoveThe Vauday Part Songs and The Lord’s Prayer) plus the knockout organ Toccata to finish create an album of real passion and pathos.

 

Song of Songs
1. Love’s Promise (3.08)
2. Rhapsody (3.16)
3. Many Waters (3.00)
4. Faint with Love (4.08)
5. Love’s Echo (3.54)
6. Song of Songs (3.01)

7. Perfect Love (4.02)
8. When Israel was a Child (7.23)
9. The Lord’s Prayer (3.40)
10. O Lord Our Governor (5.15)

The Vauday Part Songs
11. The Oaks (3.19)
12. Stone (3.21)
13. The Carriageway (3.20)
14. In Memoriam (4.25)

15. Toccata (4.23)

[Total duration: 59.38]

Release date: 27 April 2009

Patrick Hawes composer & conductor

Andrew Hawes librettist (tracks 1-8, 11-14)

Conventus choir
English Chamber Orchestra orchestra
Elin Manahan Thomas soprano
Roger Sayer organ

Alexander Van Ingen producer & editor
Mike Hatch recording engineer, mixing & mastering
Matt Howell recording assistant & editor

Signum Records record label

Tracks 1-8, 10 & 15 Recorded at St Giles’, Cripplegate, London (UK) and on the Organ of Rochester Cathedral (UK), December 2008 & January 2009

Tracks 9 & 11-14 Recorded at St Michael’s, Highgate, London (UK), February 2007

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