Hyperion: CDA67641Leighton - The World’s Desire |
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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  0034571176413 CDA67641 | Leighton - The World’s Desire
David Bednall (organ) Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens The majestic Sequence for All Saints is a marvellously consolatory work which is cast in a continuous span of five
sections. The use of a congregational hymn at the end makes the music a seamless and integral part of worship. The
recording of The World’s Desire is the work’s first. This extensive work arose from a commission in which Leighton was
requested to write a work that reflected facets of both the Western and Eastern liturgy relating to the Feast of the
Epiphany. In the Epiphany story, the Western liturgy places a stronger emphasis on Christ’s divinity as manifested at
his baptism in the river Jordan. By comparison the Orthodox liturgy focuses on St John’s image of the Epiphany being
‘the day of light’ with Christ portrayed as ‘the light of men’. This dichotomy presented a particular challenge to
Leighton and the result is a stirring, triumphant work which combines the traditions of the Anglican and Russian
Orthodox liturgies to great effect. “If the early Symphony for Strings (1949) recalls Tippett or Berkeley, the Concerto for String Orchestra of 12 years later finds him absorbing Continental influences such as Bartók and Martin. Matching the scoring of Poulenc's Organ Concerto, Leighton's own essay in the medium perhaps struggles to distance itself from the Frenchman's work. But all in all it is a revelatory and superbly played disc.
The Wells recording explores the better-known Leighton of cathedral and chapel with consummately sung performances of music that illuminates the liturgy, with able solos and solid organ foundation.” The Telegraph, 24th May 2008 “Kenneth Leighton died too young. Aged just 58, he left behind a substantial body of high-quality work for orchestra, small ensemble and cathedral choir. We can only wonder what could have come later, but as this disc illustrates, he was already a worthy successor to the great Herbert Howells. The CD takes its title from an Epiphany sequence, and includes fine music for organ and a set of morning canticles never before recorded. Wells Cathedral Choir is in cracking form.” The Observer, 4th May 2008 “Stunning performances of outstanding music, a composer fully in sympathy with the practicalities of performance and musicians who are utterly at home with this distinctive musical idiom. Leighton's memory is well served in this superb release.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2008 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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