Gustav Holst has earned a place among the most revered of late 19th and early 20th century composers and is best known for his enduring Orchestral suite The Planets.But before that great work in his use of Englsh folksongs Gnostic texts and these Vedic hymns one can discern Holst’s search for a compositional Voice beyond the constraints of the European canon in the early 1900’s. Some see composition of the Vedic Hymns as a turning point in Holst’scompositional life. The quality is not completely consistent and Holst remained true to his Western musical inheritance for the most part in setting them but as art songs they are deeply felt and moving to hear.The nine songsare scored for mezzo-Soprano or baritone Voice. The texts are taken from the Rigveda one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism and the oldest religious text in the world.The first set of three comprises Ushas Varuna and Maruts or Dawn Sky and Stormclouds respectively. The second includes Indra (God of Storm and Battle) Varuna II (the Waters) and Song of the Frogs. The third group moves into the human sphere with Vac (Speech) Creation and Faith.

Testo Cantato In Italiano-Inglese-Full Vocal score of Giacomo Puccini's favourite opera Madame Butterfly. With Italian lyrics and synopsis in Italian English French and German. The definitive version which is reflected in this edition was produced in 1906 at the Opéra Comique in Paris and published by Ricordi the following year. Puccini thus invested considerable effort into the creation of this his favorite opera—and into shaping the fate of theheroine herself a manifestation of the extremes of patient waiting and steadfast love. The music is a complete and masterful expression of the pity and disillusionment that surround the figure of Cio-Cio-San: her absolute butmisguided hope her pathetic pretence in the name of love her miserable demise.

On the Beach at Night Alone is an attractive new work commissioned and premiered at the Leeds Open Air Concerts in the Summer of 1999. The text is taken from a short poem by Walt Whitman which explores the patterns in all creation an apt theme for the beginning of the new millennium. The musical setting is melodic and highly approachable. This publication provides a piano accompaniment.

Testo Cantato In Italiano-Madama Butterfly took wing under turbulent circumstances. The premiere (Milan Teatro alla Scala 17 February 1904) was a disaster; while a second production only months later (Brescia Teatro Grande 28 May 1904) was instead a resounding success. Inthe intervening period the composer had made considerable changes to the score enough that the result qualifies as a ?second version?. Still other changes were to come however as the opera toured in successive productions. The definitive version which is reflected in this edition was produced in 1906 at the Opéra Comique in Paris and published by Ricordi the following year. Puccini thus invested considerable effort into the creation of his favorite opera ? and into shaping the fate of theheroine herself a manifestation of the extremes of patient waiting and steadfast love. The music is a complete and masterful expression of the pity and disillusionment that surround the figure of Cio-Cio-San: her absolute but misguided hope herpathetic pretence in the name of love her miserable demise.

Lo! Here the Gentle Lark is a Coloratura aria with virtuoso Flute and Piano accompaniment whose flourishes cadenzas trills and Vocalise passages create much musical excitement. A high duet between Flute and Soprano near the endis particularly flamboyant and thrilling. Henry R. Bishop was a composer active throughout the early 19th century writing operas though in the old style that was more akin to today’s musical theatre than to through-sungContinental opera as well as many songs for theatrical performances and reworkings of other composers’ creations.One of Britain’s most famous composers of his time he was the first musician ever to be knighted by QueenVictoria in 1842 and has since fallen mostly into obscurity.

The enduring classic Oratorio for SATB chorus and STB soli. This vocal score, edited and arranged by Michael Pilkington, contains a piano/organ accompaniment and English/German text. / Chant Et Piano