US Release date : Thursday, September 25, 1997
Standing Stone
By Paul McCartney • Official album • Part of the collection “Paul McCartney • Classical albums”
Last updated on September 20, 2020
US Release date : Thursday, September 25, 1997
By Paul McCartney • Official album • Part of the collection “Paul McCartney • Classical albums”
Last updated on September 20, 2020
Previous album Jul 04, 1997 • "1963-1973 The Abbey Road Decade" by Cilla Black released in the UK
Article Sep 10, 1997 • 22nd Buddy Holly Week
Concert Sep 15, 1997 • Music For Montserrat
Album Sep 25, 1997 • "Standing Stone" by Paul McCartney released in the US
Interview Sep 26, 1997 • Paul McCartney interview for New Statesman
Interview Sep 27, 1997 • Paul McCartney interview for Billboard
Next album Sep 29, 1997 • "Standing Stone" by Paul McCartney released in the UK
This album was recorded during the following studio sessions:
Mar 03 & 04, 1997
"Standing Stone" recording sessions
Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997
Movement I - After Heavy Light Years
Written by Paul McCartney
4:30 • Classical version • A • Allegro energico
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
8:31 • Classical version • A • Semplice
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
3:36 • Classical version • A • Maestoso
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Movement II - He Awoke Startled
Written by Paul McCartney
3:58 • Classical version • A • Contemplativo
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
2:03 • Classical version • A • Con moto scherzando
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
3:40 • Classical version • A • Pulsating, with cool jazz feel
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
4:38 • Classical version • A • Sognando
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
1:54 • Classical version • A • Allegro con spirito
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Movement III - Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours
Written by Paul McCartney
4:12 • Classical version • A • Pastorale con moto
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
2:09 • Classical version • A • Andante tranquillo
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
3:36 • Classical version • A • Energico
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
2:26 • Classical version • A • Lamentoso
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
5:32 • Classical version • A • Misterioso
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
4:57 • Classical version • A • Eroico
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Movement IV - Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat
Written by Paul McCartney
2:40 • Classical version • A • Trionfale
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
4:25 • Classical version • A • L'istesso tempo. Fresco
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
2:01 • Classical version • A • Rustico
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
3:43 • Classical version • A • Andante intimo
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
6:16 • Classical version • A • Andante
Paul McCartney : Executive producer Eddie Klein : Technical engineerPerformed by : London Symphony Orchestra • London Symphony Chorus Keith Smith : Technical engineer John Kurlander : Balance engineer John Fraser : Producer Lawrence Foster : Conductor Richard Rodney Bennett : Musical associate Janice Graham : Orchestra leader Stephen Westrop : Chorusmaster Simon Kiln : Editor David Matthews : Musical associate John Harle : Musical associate Steve Lodder : Musical associate
Session Recording: Mar 03 & 04, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
Session Recording: Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
I’ve spent much of the last four years composing what has now become my second large-scale classical work, the symphonic poem Standing Stone. Unlike the Liverpool Oratorio which features prominent roles for four solo singers, Standing Stone relies entirely on colours and effects drawn from orchestral and choral forces. With no soloists to propel the “story” and to help keep me on track throughout the writing of about 75 minutes of music, I wrote a poem (reprinted in full in the booklet !) in which I try to describe the way Celtic man might have wondered about the origins of life and the mystery of human existence. As with all successful “programme” music, I hope the music is strong enough to stand alone without help from the poem and that you, the listener, will enjoy what you hear.
Paul McCartney, July 1997, from the liner notes
From Wikipedia:
Standing Stone is Paul McCartney’s second full-length release of original classical music (coming after 1991’s Liverpool Oratorio) and was issued shortly after Flaming Pie‘s release in 1997. The world premiere performance was held at The Royal Albert Hall on 14 October 1997.
Following up on 1991’s Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, the Standing Stone project was composed out of a long poem McCartney authored and was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Lawrence Foster at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. Unlike Liverpool Oratorio, this new project is not an operatic performance of a story, but an instrumental one, though it employs the use of a choir.
For the first time in his career, McCartney used a personal computer and software to help compose. The work was recorded by the 80 piece London Symphony Orchestra, a 120 member choir, and conducted by Lawrence Foster at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios. Standing Stone was engineered by John Kurlander and mixed and edited at Hog Hill Mill Studios, McCartney’s private studio in Sussex, England.
It was released on compact disc which included a 48 page booklet. The booklet reprinted in full McCartney’s original poem that inspired the project, an essay by Andrew Stewart, and reproductions of two paintings by Paul from 1994 named Standing Stone Story and Standing Stone Story II. A two LP vinyl edition, limited to 2,500 copies, was also released.
The cover for the album is actually one of the many photos taken by Linda McCartney during late 1969/early 1970 that would initially be seen on the inside gatefold cover of Paul’s first album McCartney. Incidentally, this project was her husband’s last release before Linda died of breast cancer on 17 April 1998, having been diagnosed almost three years earlier.
A documentary was made during the sessions, The Making Of Standing Stone, and subsequently broadcast on BBC and PBS. The world premiere performance at The Royal Albert Hall was also filmed and broadcast on Channel 5 in the UK. The concert and documentary were later released together on DVD.
Released on 25 September 1997 in the US, and 29th in the UK, Paul McCartney’s Standing Stone topped the classical music charts, and managed a one-week stand at number 194 on the US pop album listings. […]
From The Beatles Monthly N°251, March 1997:
Standing Stone is now being conducted by Laurence Foster, after Sir Simon Rattle dropped out in 1995. Japanese-American conductor, Kent Negano (in charge of Manchester’s Halle Orchestra) was Rattle’s immediate replacement, but his reliance on star-status violin virtuosi prompted him to leave the project last year. The turnover in conductors is apparently due to Paul’s insistence that Standing Stone should be a popular work, one able to be performed by regular orchestras the world over, whether professional or amateur.
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Conway Lapping • 3 years ago
Afyer 24 years I have just opened my copy it was sealed. I am cataloging my collection. To my surprise I have two discs of side 3 & 4. Side 1 and 2 are missing.Very disapointed.
The PaulMcCartney Project • 3 years ago
ah ! what a bad surprise ! But after 24 years will be difficult to ask for a refund !!
Conway Lapping • 3 years ago
Yeah, I would only get what I paid for it. Thinking avout it someone may has a set with the two, first discs. That will teach me to put things away.
