Every Living Creature

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Kenneth Leighton's choral masterpieces with "Every Living Creature," a captivating album released on May 19, 2023, by SOMM Recordings. This exquisite collection showcases the depth and breadth of Leighton's choral compositions, featuring a blend of well-known and newly discovered works that highlight his unique voice in the choral repertoire.

The album opens with the stunning "Laudes Animantium, Op. 61," a multi-movement cantata that sets the tone for the entire collection. This work, along with several others, receives its premiere recording, offering listeners a rare opportunity to experience Leighton's music in all its glory. The album also includes beloved carols, hymns, and other choral gems that demonstrate Leighton's mastery of the form.

Performed by the acclaimed chamber choir Londinium, under the direction of Andrew Griffiths, "Every Living Creature" benefits from the ensemble's impeccable musicianship and deep understanding of Leighton's style. The album also features the Finchley Children’s Music Group, adding a touch of youthful innocence to the proceedings.

With a running time of just over an hour, this album is a testament to Kenneth Leighton's enduring legacy as one of the finest British choral composers of the 20th century. Whether you're a longtime fan of Leighton's music or a newcomer to his work, "Every Living Creature" is sure to captivate and inspire. The album's high production values and engaging performances make it a standout release in the choral genre.

19 mei 2023

2023 SOMM Recordings

About Kenneth Leighton

Kenneth Leighton, born in Wakefield in 1929, was a distinguished British composer and pianist whose musical journey was as rich and varied as the landscapes of his beloved Scotland. Beginning his musical education as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral, Leighton's early prowess earned him the LRAM Piano Performer's Diploma while still in school. His academic pursuits led him to Oxford, where he studied Classics, but his heart remained in music, influenced by notable figures like Gerald Finzi, Edmund Rubbra, and Vaughan Williams. Leighton's compositions span a wide range of genres, from church and choral music to concertos, symphonies, and even an opera. His distinctive style, a blend of English and Italian traditions, is evident in his ten mass settings alone, each in a different language and style. As a teacher at universities in Leeds, Oxford, and primarily Edinburgh, Leighton's influence extended beyond his own compositions, inspiring generations of musicians. His legacy endures in his extensive body of work, which continues to captivate audiences with its depth and talent.