Written for the striking contralto Clara Butt, who gave the work’s première in a dress said to resemble a mermaid, Sea Pictures is Elgar’s only song cycle with orchestra. These exquisite miniatures depict the sea in all its guises, peaceful and storm-tossed by turns. The heartfelt Where Corals Lie is perhaps the most remarkable three minutes in all of Elgar. Inspired by the notion that artists are the real creators and the true makers of history and society (‘We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams’), The Music Makers is a largely intimate and nostalgic work, which quotes several times from Elgar’s other compositions.
Elgar, Edward
O'Shaughnessy, Arthur - Lyricist
The Music Makers, Op. 69
1 I. Introduction: Moderato 03:32
2 II. We are the music makers 02:08
3 III. With wonderful deathless ditties 01:51
4 IV. We, in the ages lying 04:17
5 V. A breath of our inspiration 04:29
6 VI. They had no vision amazing 03:32
7 VII. And therefore today is thrilling 04:21
8 VIII. But we, with our dreaming and singing 03:36
9 IX. For we are afar with the dawning 02:49
10 X. Great hail! We cry to the corners 08:50
Elgar, Edward
Garnett, Richard - Lyricist
Gordon, Adam Lindsay - Lyricist
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett - Lyricist
Noel, Roden Berkeley Wriothesley - Lyricist
Elgar, Caroline Alice Roberts - Lyricist
Sea Pictures, Op. 37
11 I. Sea Slumber-Song 05:52
12 II. In Haven (Capri) 01:55
13 III. Sabbath Morning at Sea 05:50
14 IV. Where Corals Lie 03:35
15 V. The Swimmer 05:57
