Till the Stars Fall is the debut solo album of British tenor, Matthew Long. Exquisite songs from the English song repertoire sit alongside the folk songs of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in this refreshing portrayal of some of Britain and Ireland’s finest music. The varied accompaniment of guitar, piano and orchestra lead the listener on a journey through well known classics such as Jerusalem, Danny Boy, She moved through the Fair and Auld Lang Syne, taking in other lesser known songs on the way, including Holst’s The Thought; Vaughan Williams’ Tired from his Four Last Songs; and Finzi’s As I lay in the Early Sun from his collection Oh Fair to See.

“At the heart of this collection is what we might call ‘traditional music’. Music of the people. The songs I’ve chosen here demonstrate a rich heritage of music and story telling of which we can be proud. For Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Finzi and the other English song composers featured here, the tunes and stories of the folk tradition were an integral part of their musical palette.

In working with guitar, piano and orchestra I wanted to reflect the different meanings we can all draw from this music: the intimate, the expressive, the patriotic. Rufus Miller gives fresh insight to the new arrangements of the traditional songs of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Malcolm Martineau brings an incredible wealth of experience to the classical English Song repertoire. For the better known folk anthems, the London Philharmonic Orchestra provides an awe-inspiring backdrop.” Matthew Long