Classical music buffs - long shot

[PierreBezukov]

This is a long shot and rather vague, but I heard a choral piece on the radio (I'm assuming it was Radio 3) the other day (I think it was Sunday) and I'd love to listen to it again or know what it was.

I assumed it was a Benjamin Britten piece but I've checked the BBC IPlayer and there is no listing for any Britten music last Sunday. The other composer I felt it could be is Schoenberg. But my vague recollection was that it was in English. But I could be wrong.

It is a choral piece, sung by a choir with orchestral accompaniment. It wasn't any of his big operas or War Requiem or anything - it seemed more intimate in character.

I'm not that familiar with Britten's choral work but I note that a lot of the songs are acapella - this seemed like a 'song' but definitely had an orchestra, possibly chamber orchestra, accompaniment.

I know it's a very long shot but was anyone listening or any ideas as to what it could be/ which work it may have come from???

Can you remember what time it was on or any detail like that ? You can listen to radio 3 programmes for about a month after they've been broadcast if you go to the website and put in the date. Some of the programmes have playlists. you might be able to narrow it down a bit (some programmes seem to be all choral music, some a mixture and there is a choral evensong on Sunday too)

This is the playlist for the Choir and organ programme on sunday

link

Very unlikely to be Schoenberg. He invented "tone rows" and a lot of his music is really hard going to listen to.

Could it have been on Classic FM?

Faure's Requiem?

Thank you Kurri. I had written off the choir and organ programme because I was convinced about the orchestral accompaniment. But having Youtubed that playlist you linked to, I've identified the piece - Where corals lie from Elgar's Sea Pictures. That was definitely it!!

I must have assumed Britten because it's in English. But you're right, it's definitely much too tuneful to be Schoneberg blueangel.

Thanks MN - I only posted here as a lady resort - I thought noone would reply to this, let alone help me identify it.

*last resort

I love Where Corals Lie! I've heard recordings by Kathleen Ferrier and by Bryn Terfel. Gives me goosebumps.

Oh, fiddlesticks - the most unlikely thread in MN ever - that I could answer instantly - and somebody else got in there first.

If you are interested, have a listen to Gerontius.

Thanks MitziK, I will definitely check out Gerontius.

Sea Pictures is fab! There are quite a few recordings of it.