Sir Charles Stanford - Irish Rhapsody no. 1, op 78 (1/2)

Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924)

Irish Rhapsody No. 1 in D minor, Op. 78 Dedicated to Hans Richter.

Ulster Orchestra, conducted by Vernon Handley

The composer tells us that the main idea of the First Rhapsody "is founded on an episode in the battles of the Finns and the loves of Cuchullin and Emer". The heroic Irish folk tales of the Fina led by Finn and of the love of Cuchullin and his wife Emer are among the roots of W.B. Yeats' poetry, and in music have been particularly associated with Arnold Bax, who had little time for Stanford. But Bax was unjust because Stanford too responded to this vivid tradition, and Stanford was an Irishman, which Bax was not. Dedicated to the conductor Hans Richter (subsequently to be the dedictee of Elgar's First Symphony), it was first heard at the Norwich festival of 1902, the year of Stanford's knighthood. The first London performance followed at a Philharmonic Society concert at Queen's Hall on 12 March 1903, and it was so frequently played afterwards that Stanford said he begun to regret its composition.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• stanford
• irish
• rhapsody

[slothropgr]

Ah me. As a half-mick, half-plaidie who's despaired of ever hearing a Scottish Rhapsody, this does me puir heart good. Cosidering their genetic musical heritage the Irish have always been short on classical composers, except for John Field, who may have invented the nocturne but whose music was only a tad more Irish than Beethoven's. Great 'tis to hear his most Irish rhapsody again--what could be more Irish than 'Danny Boy'?

[Quotenwagnerianer]

I love Stanford. Had heard of him 20 years ago, but only recently started collecting his music. So far haven't heart anything I didn't like.

[crossleydd42]

The Ulster Orchestra, under the late Vernon Handley, was superb and made many memorable recordings, usually with an Irish flavour. A favourite of mine is Hamilton Harty's 'With the Wild Geese'.

[JamesJimmyJnr]

Does anyone have or is anyone able to post a recording of: Stanford: Irish Rhapsody, Funeral March 'the Martyrdom', Piano Concerto No. 2. It was played at Queen Alexandra's funeral in Westminster Abbey 27th November 1925. I have almost but given up on my search. With thanks and appreciation. Jim

[matejpatek]

It is very much like Tchaikovsky's or Kalinnikov's music. Nice!

[pjdonagh]

Very atmospheric. This is a piece I would love hear in the concert hall.

I asume (because of the superb quality) that this is a Chandos recording!

Thank you for posting.

[mariadespina80]

Splendid video...the irish harp ...exceptional !!

[mariadespina80]

Beautiful music ! Thank you !