Classical Music: The First Songs Of Travel

Quite often, the remastering of records can be disappointing and not live up to the scrutiny that today’s listening audience expects. This is not the case with this pioneering 1954 Westminster LP recital by Richard Standen (bass-baritone), accompanied by Frederick Stone (piano).

The remastering has been achieved remarkably well for Albion Records by Ronald Grames. In fact, if you had not been told it was recorded in 1954, you may have thought it was a recent release, such is the excellent reproduction, although Standen’s voice belies its age.

It was also the first recording of the (then) entire Songs of Travel and includes premiere recordings of five of the songs.

The Songs of Travel are a wonderful cycle; of the nine songs, the last was not found until after the composer’s death, some four years after this recording was made. There are an abundance of recordings, but this is a special album because, despite the plethora of discs dedicated to the Songs of Travel it is interesting to hear these recordings from a performer who VW admired and to compare them.

Richard Standen lived from 1912 to 1987 and, during his lifetime, appeared on many recital and concert broadcasts on the BBC and soloed in the Bach passions under Vaughan Williams's baton. Frederick Stone is only known today as Kathleen Ferrier’s accompanist on a frequently reissued recital disc, but he had a remarkable 30-year career as a staff accompanist for the BBC and appeared in hundreds of broadcasts with many of the great and near-great performers of his time. As Albion Records points out, this release pays homage to an artist who, sadly, is now almost forgotten and should be much better known.

Standen’s diction is first-class, and his interpretations deliver all the subtilties of VW’s composition without going overboard. He performs with an informed intelligence that immediately communicates with the listener.

But hold on! There are more delights to savour. We get to hear Michael Head’s Six Sea Songs, Ireland’s Sea Fever, two of Stanford’s Songs of the Sea, and a couple of new composers. The recital included premiere recordings of Keel’s Three Salt-Water Ballads and Davidson’s A Christmas Carol.

These are worthy contributions, and Keel’s Ballards are beautifully and movingly conveyed by both singer and pianist. I had not come across Mallinson before and was struck by his compositional style, especially his interesting piano accompaniments.

As historical records, these are worthy additions to the library to hear spirited, expressive performances of what was, at the time, a new repertoire. Standen and Stone both have superb technique and compelling musicianship.

As always, the production team at Albion should be congratulated not just for unearthing and remastering this LP but also for its outstanding presentation in the booklet. A wealth of excellent information.

An absolute must for VW fans as the spirit of the age lives on.