Charles Villiers Stanford

Intermezzo on An Irish Air

Charles Villiers Stanford was an Irish composer, music teacher, and conductor. Stanford composed a substantial number of concert works, including seven symphonies, but his best-remembered pieces are his choralworks for church performance, chiefly composed in the Anglican tradition. Admitted to Queens College, Cambridge with an Organ scholarship Stanford had written a substantial number of compositions, including vocal music, both sacred and secular, and orchestral works before getting involved with the university's Musical Society. While still an undergraduate, Stanford was appointed organist of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Part ofthe'Four Intermezzi Op. 189' Intermezzo On An Irish Air for Organ is based on the melody of the well-known 'Londonderry Air'. The traditional Irish tune was first collected in the mid 19th century by Jane Ross, and is recognised all around the world by the Irish Diaspora. Duration ca. 6:20.