Hyperion Records

Greater love hath no man is a relatively early work, having been written in 1912 when Ireland was organist of St Luke's, Chelsea. Ireland orchestrated this anthem in the early 1920s, although it is usually performed in the version with organ accompaniment. This work frequently changes mood: it opens with a broad melody before the tempo quickens to an early climax and the music settles into a treble solo at 'Who, His own Self'. A baritone picks up the theme and the music quickly moves into a dramatic fanfare passage before reaching its thrilling climax. The final section gently sustains the tension which is only relaxed in the choir's final phrase and is continued even to the penultimate chord in the organ part.

from notes by William McVicker © 1990