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Howard Blake is a popular and prolific composer whose output includes film scores (not least the extraordinarily successful The Snowman), choral, orchestral and instrumental works, ballets and opera.
This disc presents the world première recordings of Four Songs of the Nativity, commissioned by The Book Club for The Bach Choir and London Brass, and Blake’s second dramatic oratorio, The Passion of Mary, commissioned by The Summer Music Society of Dorset in association with South West Arts.
‘The Passion of Mary draws together the Stabat Mater, the Magnificat, the Salve Regina and other Marian and Nativity texts with the wisdom of a Berlioz. The outcome is a splendid, highly accessible choral work.’ Roderick Dunnett (reviewing the London première for Church Times)
Howard Blake: The Passion of Mary, Op. 577
Part I: Visitation, Nativity, Childhood (Prophet, Chorus, Mary, Angel, Simeon, Jesus as a boy)
Part II: Temptation in the Wilderness, Sermon on the Mount, Crucifixion (Satan, Jesus as a man, Chorus)
Part III: Stabat Mater Dolorosa (Mary, Chorus)
Part IV: Resurrection, Salve Regina (Jesus as a man, Mary, Soloists, Chorus)
Howard Blake: 4 Songs of the Nativity, Op. 415
Part I: Holy Mary, Mother Mild
Part II: Of a Rose, a Lovely Rose
Part III: Jesus, Son Most Sweet and Dear
Part IV: Let Us Gather Hand in Hand
July 2010
****
“Patricia Rozario is the tireless soprano soloist, with Richard Edgar-Wilson giving a Peter Pears-like representation of Jesus.”
August 2010
“The orchestral scoring is masterly; at times pared to the bone, at others glowing opulently, full of magical detail. The Passion of Mary describes widespread currency...Blake's supreme melodic gift is given full rein.”
January 2013
“Patricia Rozario’s characterisation of Mary sounds well-nigh ideal throughout...David Wilson-Johnson is authoritative and characterful, as you’d expect... With excellent contributions from London Voices and the RPO this performance under the composer must be counted as definitive in every respect...The music is accessible, enjoyable and rewarding.”
Part I: Visitation, Nativity, Childhood (Prophet, Chorus, Mary, Angel, Simeon, Jesus as a boy)
