An album of world premiere recordings of works written to accompany poems by celebrated Irish novelist and poet James Joyce, Desmond Earley and the University Choral Scholars of University College, Dublin release their fourth album on Signum Classics. Following their EP “Ireland is My Home” which was Scala Radio’s Album of the Week, this new album aims to encapsulate the influence of singing and music in Joyce’s work. A tenor himself, it was Joyce’s wish that his words be set to music, and through commissioning new works, the choir are proud of their unique connection to Joyce’s Dublin story.
All Music Classical Highlights October 2024
“It is a pleasure and honour for us to be the first choral ensemble to wrap James Joyce’s ‘suite of songs’ in an Irish choral voice” – Desmond Earley (Artistic Director)
“A wonderfully evocative recording for this enchanting first volume of settings of poems by James Joyce” – Gramophone
“This first collection sets a dauntingly high bar. It is a remarkable confluence of performer, composer, and lyricist, and were Joyce alive to hear what they’ve crafted, he’d assuredly be delighted” – Textura