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Charles Villiers Stanford (1852 - 1924)

Irish by birth, Stanford was destined to follow his father's footsteps as a lawyer. As a condition of allowing him to attempt a musical career, his father insisted that he read classics at Cambridge before taking the usual course of intending musicians... in Leipzig. The young and hopeful musician obediently went to Queen's College, Cambridge and, as so many have since done, spent more time in making music than reading for his degree. In his third year he was appointed organist of Trinity and conductor of two choral societies which he combined to form the Cambridge University Musical Society, known ever since affectionately as 'CUMS'.

In 1874, still only 22, Stanford managed his third-class honours degree in classics and immediately left for Germany. After Leipzig he studied in Berlin and travelled all over Germany and France listening to all the 'new music' of Wagner, Brahms, Meyerbeer and Offenbach. With unbridled energy he returned regularly to conduct CUMS in much contemporary music (including his own) and to begin the tradition of performing the great classical choral works (including his own edition of the Bach St Matthew Passion which remains an outstanding tribute to English musicology).

His unrivalled knowledge of contemporary music, together with his love and respect for earlier choral music, allowed him to make the biggest impact of all his collegues in the renaissance of English music in the late 19th century. First came the church services, almost symphonic in design, with meaty organ parts which gave the kiss of life to the almost extinct English choral tradition. Then, writing for the new upsurge of amateur choirs born of the Industrial Revolution, who joined together in large 'festivals', he re-vitalised the oratorio which had been the province of the priveleged ruling classes.

At a time when few Englishmen thought much of serious music in the theatre, he wrote 10 operas on subjects ranging from The Canterbury Pilgrims to Shakesear's Much Ado by way of the Irish comedy Shamus O'Brien and - his masterpiece - The Travelling Companion (with libretto by Newbolt, after Hans Anderson). His partsongs such as The Bluebird and Heraclitus can be sung with no unfavourable comparison beside the greatest of English madrigalists whilst among the solo songs La Belle Dame sans merci and The Fairy Lough are only two of the lyrical settings in English musical history.

Such an English genius had not been acknowledged since the days of Purcell, another great man of both theatre and church music. The musical establishment claimed him - he was both Professor of Music at Cambridge and Professor of Composition at the Royal College of Music simultaneously for nearly 40 years - and every amateur singer in the country sang his music. Above all, his students in London and Cambridge read like a roll-call of British composers of the first half of the 20th century: among those who owed much to Stanford's teaching were Bridge, Holst, Howells, Ireland and Vaughan Williams, naming only a few.

A PDF file with a complete alphabetical listing of individual works in print can be found here, together with a list of the anthologies which include titles by C V Stanford.

Stanford titles published by Stainer & Bell

These titles can be ordered in our online shop where you will also find prices and further information. Rental works are available through our Hire Library. The items with [PDF] after them are links to free sample pages in the Adobe Actobat format.

Woodwind

Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 129 (Ref. H44)
Clarinet Concerto Op.80 [22'] (Rental Ref. HL186)
Solo clarinet, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.

Strings

Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 129 (Ref. H444)
The composer's "Sonata for Clarinet and Piano" arranged for Viola and edited by Henry Waldo Warner and John White.

Vocal

Belle Dame sans merci, La. F minor (Ref. 1770)
Soft Day, A. D flat major (Ref. SS57)
Soft Day, A. F major (Ref. SS58)
Songs. Musica Britannica Volume 52, edited Geoffrey Bush. (Ref. MB52)
Songs for Medium Voice, Six. (Ref. B526)

Choral

Blue Bird, The. SATB (Ref. CL27)
Blue Bird, The. Arranged by Arnold Foster. SSA and Piano (Ref. W83)
Benedictus and Agnus Dei in B flat SATB and organ (Ref. W208)
Benedictus and Agnus Dei in F SATB and organ (Ref. W207)
Come, ye thankful people, come. SATB and Organ (Ref. W67)
Communion Service in C, Op. 115. SATB and Organ (Ref. CS10)
Coronation Gloria in B flat [8'] (Rental Ref. HL189)
SATB, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 basssoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, organ & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.
Earth is the Lord’s, The. SATB and Organ (Ref. W98)
For lo I raise up. SATB and Organ (Ref. W197)
Glorious and Powerful God. SATB (Ref. W124)
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C, Op. 115. SATB and Orchestra (or Organ). [6'] Vocal Score (Ref. CS11)
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C. [6'] (Rental Ref. HL197)
SATB Choir, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4. & optional organ
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in F (The Queens’ Service). SATB and Organ (Ref. W196) [PDF]
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G, Op. 81. [6'] SATB and Orchestra (or Organ). Vocal Score (Ref. CS142)
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G. [6'] (Rental Ref. HL196)
SATB Choir; 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones (alto, tenor & bass), timpani, harp, organ & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.
Oh! for a closer walk with God. (Hymn: after a Song of Wisdom). (E flat). SATB and Organ (Ref. CC703)
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate. SATB and Organ (Ref. W68)
Songs of the Fleet. Solo Baritone, SATB and Orchestra. Vocal Score (Ref. D42)
Songs of the Fleet. Chorus Part only (Ref. D41)
Songs of the Fleet. [22'] (Rental Ref. HL203)
Baritone soloist, SATB Choir, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (2), harp & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.
Swallow, The. SATB (Ref. W89)
Te Deum in C, Op. 115. (SATB and Organ with optional Brass and Timpani. [6'] Vocal Score (Ref. CS7)
Te Deum in C. Brass and Timpani parts [6'] (Rental Ref. HL208)
SATB Choir & optional brass (3 trumpets & 4 trombones) & timpani
When in our music God is glorified. Text by Fred Pratt Green. SATB Choir, Congregation and Keyboard accompaniment with optional Trumpet. Arranged H. Ziegenhals (Ref. HP993)
When in our music God is glorified. Text by Fred Pratt Green. SATB Choir, Brass and Organ. Arranged John Ferguson HP217
When Mary through the Garden went. SATB (Ref. CL65) [PDF]
Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem. SATB (Ref. W195) [PDF]

Orchestral

Irish Rhapsody No. 1, Op. 78 for Orchestra. [14'] (Rental Ref. HL288)
2 flutes (one doubling piccolo), 2 oboes (one doubling cor anglais), 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, contra bassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (2), harp & Str(s) 10.10.8.8.6.
Irish Rhapsody No. 4, Op. 141 for Orchestra. [20'] (Rental Ref. HL355)
2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, cor-anglais, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (2), harp & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.
Symphony No. 5 in D. (L'Allegro ed il Pensieroso) [39'] (Rental Ref. HL303)
2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, organ (ad lib.) & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.

Organ

Fantasia and Toccata in D minor. Organ (Ref. H365)
Occasional Preludes, Six. Book 1: Nos. 1–3. Organ (Ref. MO25)
Occasional Preludes, Six. Book 2: Nos. 4–6. Organ (Ref. MO26)
Short Preludes and Postludes, Six. First Set, Op. 101. Organ (Ref. MO27)
Short Preludes and Postludes, Six. Second Set, Op. 105. Organ (Ref. MO28)

Opera

Travelling Companion, The. An Opera in 4 acts. [180'] (Rental Ref. HL207)
2 soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, 3 baritone, bass baritone & 2 bass soloists, SATB choir; piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contra bassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (3 players including wind machine & thunder machine), 2 harps & Str(s) 8.8.6.6.4.

From the Archives...

The following titles by Stanford are not in our current sales catalogue, but are available to special order as authorised photocopies through our archive library. They are now available through our online shop.

The Ace and Deuce of Pipering (No.3 of Six Irish Dances) Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37240)
Autumn Leaves. Op.106. No.1. ATTB voices. F minor (Ref. 51559)
Autumn Leaves. Op.106. No.1. ATTB voices. E minor (Ref. 51560)
Aviator's Hymn. SATB and Organ. (Ref. 41530)
Benedictus and Jubilate in G. Op.81. SATB (Ref. 42176)
Benedictus in C. Op.115. SATB and Organ (Ref. 42065)
Six Bible Songs. Low Voice and Organ (Ref. 49654-9)
1. A Song of Freedom (Ref. 49654)
2. A Song of Trust (Ref. 49655)
3. A Song of Hope (Ref. 49656)
4. A Song of Peace (Ref. 49657)
5. A Song of Battle (Ref. 49658)
6. A Song of Wisdom (Ref. 49659)
Five Caprices. Piano Op.136 (Ref. 39604)
Six Characteristic Pieces. Piano. Op.132. (Ref. 39640)
In Modo Dorico; Romance; Study; Roundel; Romance; Toccata. (missing Toccata No.6)
A Corsican Dirge. Voice and Piano (Ref. 37209)
Cushendall. Op. 118. (Ref. 49996)
Ireland; Did you ever?; Cushendall; The Crow; Daddy-Long-Legs; How does the Wind Blow?; Night
The Dust-Man. Voice and Piano (Ref. 42431)
Eternal Father Op.135 No.2. SSATBB unaccompanied (Ref. 51491)
Fair Phyllis Op.106. No.4. AATB and Piano (Ref. 44402)
Fairy Day. SSAA and Piano. (Ref. 44149)
Fairy Dawn; Fairy Noon; Fairy Night
Fantasie and Fugue in D minor. Organ. Op. 103 (Ref. 39126)
Festal Communion Service in B flat. Op. 128. SATB and Organ (Ref. 42180)
For all the Saints. SATB and Organ (Ref. 51613)
Funeral March from "Becket" Organ (Ref. 35853)
Gloria in Excelsis (set to music for the Coronation of George V). SATB and Organ (Ref. 43233)
The Gobby O (No.6 of Six Irish Dances) Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37243)
Grandeur. Op.140. No.1. Voice and Piano (Ref. 53257)
The Humours of Bandon (No.2 of Six Irish Dances) Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37246)
Hush, sweet Lute. TTBB (Ref. 44150)
Hymn (after the Song of Freedom) see Let us with a gladsome mind
Hymn (after the Song of Peace) see Pray that Jerusalem may have peace
The Inkbottle. SATB voices (Ref. 51737)
Installation March. Organ (Ref. 39128)
The Invitation. Unison voices (Ref. 42401)
Irish Airs (The Groves). Violin and Piano (Ref. 37245)
Irish Airs (The Green Woods of Truigha). Violin and Piano (Ref. 37244)
Irish Airs (Father Quinn). Violin and Piano (Ref. 37242)
Six Irish Dances. Violin and Piano. See individual titles: The Long Dance ; The Humous of Bandow ; The Ace and Deuce of Pipering; Jig; The Rocky Road; The Gobby O
Irish Skies Op.140 No.6 Violin and Piano (Ref. 53257)
Jig (No.4 of Six Irish Dances) Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37247)
Jubilate Deo in C. Op.115. SATB and Organ (Ref. 42066)
Kyrie Eleison in F. SATB and Organ (Ref. 51459)
Let us with a gladsome mind. (Hymn after the Song of Freedom) SATB and Organ (Ref. 51720)
Little Peter Morrissey. Op. 140. No. 4. Voice and Piano (Ref. 53257)
The Long Dance (No.1 of Six Irish Dances) Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37248)
The Lute Song. Voice and Piano (Ref. 37257)
A Message to Phillis. Voice and Piano (Ref. 39688)
The Milkmaid's Song. D minor. Voice and Piano (Ref. 37258)
The Milkmaid's Song. F minor. Voice and Piano (Ref. 37259)
Night Thoughts. Six Short Pieces for Piano. Op.148 (Ref. 35589)
The Music to the Oedipus Rex of Sophocles. Op.29. Vocal Score (Ref. 44154)
O living will. SATB (Ref. 51605)
The Offertory Sentences. SATB and Organ (Ref. 42280)
8 Partsongs. Op.119. (Ref. 52017)
The Witch; Farewell my Joy; The Bluebird; The Train; The Inkbottle; The Swallow; Chillingham; My heart in thine. (The Bluebird and The Swallow not supplied - in print.)
Pray that Jerusalem may have peace. (Hymn after the Song of Peace) SATB and Organ (Ref. 43282)
Prelude in form of a Toccata (No.3 of Six Preludes for Organ Op.88) (Ref. 37265)
Procession Music from "Drake" arranged for Organ by W. Alcock (Ref. 35567)
Prospice. Voice and Piano (Ref. 37261)
String Quartet in D minor. No.3 Op.64. Score. (Ref. 44155)
String Quartet in D minor. No.3 Op.64. Parts. (Ref. 37262)
Three Rhapsodies. No.1 in A minor (Ref. 39652)
Three Rhapsodies. No.2 in B major (Ref. 37256)
Three Rhapsodies. No.3 in C major (Ref. 37255)
The Rocky Road (No.5 of Six Irish Dances) Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37251)
Six Sketches for Piano: Primary Grade. (Ref. 38369)
Gavotte; Scherzo; Minuet; Morris Dance; Lullaby; Hunt the Hobby Horse
Six Sketches for Piano: Elementary Grade. (Ref. 39642)
Bourée; Doll's Minuet; Gavotte; The Bogie Man; The Gollywog's Dance; Hop-Jig (Rondo)
Three Sketches. Op 155. Book 1. Violin and Piano. (Ref. 38370)
Minuet; Morris-Dance; Scherzino
Three Sketches. Op 155. Book 2. Violin and Piano. (Ref. 37269)
Arietta con variazioni; Gavotte; Bourée.
Organ Sonata No.1 in F. Op.149 (Ref. 39127)
Sonata Eroica No.2. Op.151. Organ (Ref. 37268)
Sonata Britannica No.3. Op.152. Organ (Ref. 37267)
Sonata Celtica No.4. Op.153. Organ (Ref. 49798)
Sonata 'Quasi una Fantasia' No.5. Op.159. Organ (Ref.37260)
Te Deum in G. Op.81. SATB and Organ (Ref. 51553)
Te Deum in G. SATB and Organ. (Ref. 42245)
Thanksgiving Te Deum in E flat. Op 143. SATB and Organ. (Ref. 48764)
Twelve Songs of Heine. Bk 1 (Nos.1-6). Voice and Piano (Ref. 39131)
Stars above me golden footed; On thy blue Eyes; Thou art my love; Spring; Sad is the spring-time
Twelve Songs of Heine. Bk 2 (Nos 7-12). Voice and Piano (Ref. 39130)
My love is a flower; As the moon's pale likeness quivers; On the deep-blue girdled heaven; Almansor dying; I seal thy lips with kisses; Slumber Song.
Veni Creator (Come Holy Ghost). SSAATTBB (Ref. 51568)
Wilderspin. Op.127 No.7. SATB. (Ref. 42516)
Ye Holy Angels bright. SATB (Ref. 51492)

CV Stanford, under the pseudonym of Karel Drofnatski:
Nonsense Rhymes. Words by Edward Lear. Voice and Piano. (Ref. 51489)
A visit of Elizabeth; Barkerolle; Boat Song; Dithyramb; Gongdichtung; Limmerich ohne worte; Nileinsamkeit; The Absent Barber; The Aquiline Snub; The Compleat Virtuoso; The Cow and the Coward; The Generous Parishioner; The Hardy Norse-Woman; Tone Poem