''The Ballad of the White Horse'' is a major choral work which has largely remained unheard since its premiere in 1959. It is a tour de force of orchestral and choral writing by a composer who was hugely inspired by the Chesterton's epic poem telling the story of King Alfred's defiance of the Viking invaders in the 9th Century.

The CD is completed by the orchestral ''An English Ballad'', effectively an English tone poem inspired by the classic tale of a lady eloping with a Gypsy. It features a solo electric guitar prominently, reflecting Gardner's view of the significance of the electric guitar in 20th Century music. Both pieces, originally written for amateur performers, are highly approachable and enjoyable. As the review of the premiere of The Ballad of White Horse said, ''music that is a pleasure for [the choir] to sing and easy for an audience to appreciate. But this simplicity masks a wealth of ingenuity in invention and treatment''.

Cast & Crew

Director: 

Track Listing

• The White Horse
• The Northmen
• The Vision Of The King
• The Gathering Of The Chiefs
• The Harp Of Alfred
• The Battle Of Ethandune
• The Baptism Of Guthrum
• The Scouring Of The Horse
• An English Ballad

Additional Details

Label: EM

Genre: Classical

Language: English

Region: 0

Release Date: 09/11/20

UPC: 5060263500544