Description
World Premiere recordings of British music for String Orchestra performed at the Royal Palaces.
The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra release their first CD indicative of music played during events held at Royal Residences throughout the UK.
‘I am delighted that The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra has recorded some of the music played regularly during events at Royal Residences – music that is heard at investiture ceremonies and receptions, and now available for all to enjoy. There is something for everyone on this recording and it is especially fitting that is has been produced for the Orchestra’s fifth birthday. We hope you enjoy listening to it.’ – HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO , Colonel in Chief.
Conducted by Major David B Hammond, the collection includes works by Curzon, Dunhill, Lee, Qulter, Rowley, Speer and O’Donnell.
The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra performs at every Investiture and State Banquet, as well as for other ceremonies at the Royal Palaces. All the music recorded on this CD has been played at Investitures and is indicative of that heard by Recipients and their guests when honours are awarded. Furthermore, they are all World Première Recordings.
Proceeds from each sale donated to Service charities.
Track listing:
Suite: In Rural England, Op 72 Thomas F Dunhill (1877-1946)
• A Pastoral
• Playfellows
• A Country Tune
• Meadow-Fairies
• Festivity
Cold Winter Nights Peter Thorne (born 1955)
Annie Laurie (Traditional Scottish Air) Alicia Scott (1810-1900), arr Fred Hartley (1905-1980)
In Georgian Days: Gavotte (from ‘Rosme’) Roger Quilter (1877-1953)
Blow the Wind Southerly:
A Northumbrian Folk Song ( A Northumbrian Folk Song) Traditional, arr Harry Dexter (1910-1973)
Intermezzo: ‘Forget-Me-Not’, Op 22 Allan Macbeth (1856-1910)
Shepherd’s Delight Alec Rowley (1892-1958)
• Spring Woodland
• Hush Song
• Shepherd’s Rondel
Iris and Lavender: A Concert Waltz Peter Wilson (born 1956)
Pastoral Scene Frederic Curzon (1899-1973)
Fragment for Strings Bertram Walton O’Donnell (1887-1939)
Two Pieces Traditional, arr Eric Thiman (1900-1975)
• Shenandoah
• Billy Boy (Northumbrian Origin)
Nocturne, Op 17 William H Speer (1863-1937)
Rivers of Devon Suite Ernest Markham Lee (1874-1956)
• Tamar: Stately ships ride out to sea
• Dart: Waters flash and leap
• Torridge: Dusk deepening between the hills
• Lynn: Through the wild and woodland
Bonus tracks:
Suite of Seven Pieces Giles Farnaby (c1563-1640), arr Granville Bantock (1868-1946)
• A Toye
• Giles Farnaby’s Dreame
• Giles Farnaby’s Conceit
• His Rest: Galiard
• His Humour
• A Maske
• Tower Hill
Total playing time 75:49
