CHAMBER MUSIC - JAMES JOYCE

We are delighted to present an exciting series of new choral works based on James Joyce's volume of poems, 'Chamber Music'. 

In 1907 Joyce wrote a letter to his brother Stanislaus candidly expressing the hope that his poems from Chamber Music would one day be put to music: ‘I hope someone will do so’, he wrote, ‘someone that knows old English music such as I like'.

Leading Irish and international composers were commissioned by Desmond Earley, Director of the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin, to create vibrant contemporary settings of the first eighteen of the thirty-six texts.

The Choral Scholars now continue their very successful partnership with Signum Classics label with a recording of this first volume, now available on all main platforms.

Sheet music is currently being prepared and will soon be available both in the original scoring for chamber orchestra and in faithfully written piano reductions.

Matthew Emery: From dewy dreams, my soul, arise
Timothy Stephens: When the shy star goes forth in heaven (Arr. Desmond Earley)
David Walters: O cool is the valley now
Mark Armstrong: Winds of May, that dance on the sea
Eoghan Desmond: Rain has fallen all the day
Andrej Makor: All day I hear the noise of waters
Damien Geter: Gentle lady, do not sing
Owen Brady: O, it was out by Donnycarney (Arr. Owen Brady and Desmond Earley)
Ivo Antognini: The twilight turns from amethyst (Arr. Desmond Earley)
Natasa Paulberg: Sleep now, O sleep now (Arr. Desmond Earley)
Dale Trumbore: Dear heart, why will you use me so?
Desmond Earley: Silently she’s combing
Elaine Agnew: In the dark pine-wood
Kevin Whyms: Because your voice was at my side
Laura Sheils: Now, O now, in this brown land (Arr. Desmond Earley)
Ēriks Ešenvalds: My love is in a light attire
Jocelyn Hagen: Lean out of the window, Goldenhair
Seán Doherty: My dove, my beautiful one