"Sonata Celtica" is the fourth organ sonata, op. 153, by Charles Villiers Stanford. Filled with inspiration from his native home, this wonderful organ sonata makes full use of the resources available to the organist by the innovation of the organ builders of the early 20th century. The exciting opening movement features two contrasting subjects: the first is an angular, trilled, melody that leaps and conjours up images of the rugged Irish landscape. The second is a tender melody featuring dialogue between soft reeds and reminds me of a woodland scene.
We transition to the second movement, a theme and variations, featuring a lilting melody that progresses through a series of contrasting treatments before making way for the final impressive movement:
"St. Patrick's Breastplate"- Stanford curated and published an edition of the Petrie Collection of Irish tunes in 1902, and he draws upon two of these to build the stunning conclusion.
Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (30 September 1852 – 29 March 1924) was an Irish composer, music teacher, and conductor of the late Romantic era.
Score:
https://bit.ly/3CLXJAu
0:00 Allegro molto moderato
10:45 Tema con Variazioni, Allegretto
17:20 Allegro Maestoso. (St. Patrick's Breastplate)
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