Bliss: Beatitudes

This new release contains works by Sir Arthur Bliss, including the title track, The Beatitudes, The Enchantress, scene for contralto and orchestra, Rout, for soprano and chamber ensemble, and Madam Noy- A Witchery Song for soprano and instrumental ensemble. When Bliss was commissioned to write The Beatitudes, he was serving as “Master of the Queen’s Musick.” He wrote the piece for the Festival of 1962 to honor the opening of the Coventry Cathedral. The recording of The Beatitudes here is the Promenade Premiere, conducted by the composer himself, and broadcast on the BBC on August 31, 1964.