Liverpool Oratorio was Paul McCartney's first full-length work of classical music. It was first released on VHS and the double-CD album topped the classical charts in both the UK and the USA. The oratorio received its world premiere in Liverpool Cathedral in 1991 and this momentous event was both recorded and filmed by EMI Classics.
The oratorio was co-written with conductor Carl Davis over two years, and Davis directs this performance joined by soloists Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jerry Hadley, Willard White and Sally Burgess alongside The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and the Liverpool Cathedral Choristers. The work is written in eight movements and celebrates Paul’s home town. Initially following Paul’s childhood through the character ‘Shanty’ the text is chronological, opening with ‘War’ which describes the birth of a new life during a World War II air raid. Subsequent movements are devoted to life within School, growing-up, a wedding, work and the oratorio finally concludes on a note of hope as Shanty and his wife sing a hymn to God, family life and peace.

Movement I War
Movement II School
Movement III Crypt
Movement Iv Father
Movement V Wedding
Movement VI Work
Movement VII Crises
Movement VIII Peace