UK release date:
Sep 29, 1997
US release date:
Sep 25, 1997
Publisher:
EMI Classics

Master release


Related sessions

This album has been recorded during the following studio sessions



"Standing Stone" recording sessions

Apr 30, May 01 & May 02, 1997

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Track list

Disc 1


1.

Movement I - After Heavy Light Years


1.

Fire/Rain

Written by Paul McCartney

4:30 • Classical versionA • Allegro energico

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


2.

Cell Growth

Written by Paul McCartney

8:31 • Classical versionA • Semplice

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


3.

'Human' Theme

Written by Paul McCartney

3:36 • Classical versionA • Maestoso

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


2.

Movement II - He Awoke Startled


1.

Meditation

Written by Paul McCartney

3:58 • Classical versionA • Contemplativo

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


2.

Crystal Ship

Written by Paul McCartney

2:03 • Classical versionA • Con moto scherzando

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


3.

Sea Voyage

Written by Paul McCartney

3:40 • Classical versionA • Pulsating, with cool jazz feel

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


4.

Lost At Sea

Written by Paul McCartney

4:38 • Classical versionA • Sognando

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


5.

Release

Written by Paul McCartney

1:54 • Classical versionA • Allegro con spirito

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


3.

Movement III - Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours


1.

Safe Haven / Standing Stone

Written by Paul McCartney

4:12 • Classical versionA • Pastorale con moto

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


2.

Peaceful Moment

Written by Paul McCartney

2:09 • Classical versionA • Andante tranquillo

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


3.

Messenger

Written by Paul McCartney

3:36 • Classical versionA • Energico

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


4.

Lament

Written by Paul McCartney

2:26 • Classical versionA • Lamentoso

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


5.

Trance

Written by Paul McCartney

5:32 • Classical versionA • Misterioso

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


6.

Eclipse

Written by Paul McCartney

4:57 • Classical versionA • Eroico

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


4.

Movement IV - Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat


1.

Glory Tales

Written by Paul McCartney

2:40 • Classical versionA • Trionfale

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


2.

Fugal Celebration

Written by Paul McCartney

4:25 • Classical versionA • L'istesso tempo. Fresco

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


3.

Rustic Dance

Written by Paul McCartney

2:01 • Classical versionA • Rustico

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


4.

Love Duet

Written by Paul McCartney

3:43 • Classical versionA • Andante intimo

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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


5.

Celebration

Written by Paul McCartney

6:16 • Classical versionA • Andante

Paul McCartney :
Executive producer
Eddie Klein :
Technical engineer
Performed by :
London Symphony OrchestraLondon 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

About

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.

Last updated on September 20, 2020

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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.


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