Gerard McChrystal – Solas (2020) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

This is Gerard McChrystal’s second album for First hand Records which features new arrangements of popular repertoire. McChrystal’s previous FHR album ‘Aria’ [FHR14] received incredible critical acclaim: ‘The magnificently sustained tone of the soloist, Gerard McChrystal was a treat’ (The Independent ****) ‘This is a superb programme the sheer brilliance of the playing will keep one enthralled Highly recommended’ (Fanfare Magazine) Solas is the Gaelic word for light and features beautiful sounds from the soprano and alto saxophones and also the incredible energy of the sopranino saxophone, rarely recorded. Most of the pieces are brand new arrangements of popular repertoire and gives a unique journey from the Baroque to the present day. Gerard McChrystal was born in Derry, Northen Ireland. He has performed in over 35 countries including China, USA, New Zealand, Korea, South Africa and Azerbaijan. Collaborations include composer Philip Glass, the Soweto String Quartet, Rambert Dance Company, London Musici, the Smith Quartet and classical guitarist Craig Ogden. McChrystal has made 15 albums with orchestras including BBC NOW, Ulster Orchestra and London Musici. Christian Wilson has forged a unique path as an organist, combining trailblazing virtuosity with serious scholarship and championing rarely-heard or forgotten masterpieces.In addition to his role as Organist at HM Chapels Royal in the Tower of London, Christian is Director of Music at Brasenose College, Oxford, and a lecturer at the university, appearing regularly on BBC radio and occasionally on television as performer or musicologist.

Tracklist:
1. Gerard McChrystal – I. Adagio (01:27)
2. Gerard McChrystal – II. Allegro (02:05)
3. Gerard McChrystal – III. Adagio (05:36)
4. Gerard McChrystal – I. Vivace (01:20)
5. Gerard McChrystal – II. Fuga de cappella (01:49)
6. Gerard McChrystal – III. Largo (01:20)
7. Gerard McChrystal – IV. Allegro ma non presto (02:15)
8. Gerard McChrystal – Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, HWV 74 (Eternal Source of Light Divine) [Arr. G. McChrystal & C. Wilson for Saxophones & Organ] (03:20)
9. Gerard McChrystal – IV. Green (08:02)
10. Gerard McChrystal – Cara sposa, amante cara, dove sei? (04:22)
11. Gerard McChrystal – A Brief Story of Peter Abelard (Version for Soprano Saxophone & Organ) (07:54)
12. Gerard McChrystal – I. Larghetto (01:52)
13. Gerard McChrystal – II. Allegro (01:42)
14. Gerard McChrystal – III. Adagio (00:39)
15. Gerard McChrystal – IV. Allegro (01:59)
16. Gerard McChrystal – Choral phrygien, AWV 76 (Arr. G. McChrystal & C. Wilson for Alto Saxophone & Organ) (03:56)
17. Gerard McChrystal – When I am Laid in Earth “Dido’s Lament” (03:31)