Howard Skempton's "Ben Somewhen" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and choral music, released on NMC Recordings in 2015. This album showcases the versatility and depth of Skempton's compositional prowess, featuring a blend of chamber works and vocal pieces that are both intimate and expansive. The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group brings to life the intricate Chamber Concerto and Clarinet Quintet, demonstrating Skempton's ability to craft intricate, yet accessible, musical narratives. The vocal ensemble EXAUDI adds a haunting beauty to the choral works, including the evocative "Rise Up, My Love" and the ethereal "The Voice of the Spirits." The album also includes the six-part "Suite from Delicate," a testament to Skempton's skill in creating layered, textural soundscapes. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "Ben Somewhen" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, highlighting the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity that defines Howard Skempton's unique musical voice.
2015 NMC Recordings2015 (P) NMC Recordings
Tracks
Chamber Concerto: I. Con bravuraHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, James Weeks
Chamber Concerto: II. Tempo giustoHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, James Weeks
Chamber Concerto: III. GraziosoHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, James Weeks
Chamber Concerto: IV. TeneramenteHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, James Weeks
Clarinet Quintet: I. AndanteHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Clarinet Quintet: II. ComodoHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Clarinet Quintet: III. LargoHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
The Voice of the SpiritsHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
The Bridge of FireHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
Suite from Delicate: I. PulseHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Suite from Delicate: II. Triangle 1Howard Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Suite from Delicate: III. EasyHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Suite from Delicate: IV. Triangle 2Howard Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Suite from Delicate: V. SoloHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Suite from Delicate: VI. EndingHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Roundels of the YearHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
Rise Up, My Love: No. 1, Rise Up, My LoveHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
Rise Up, My Love: No. 2, How Fair Is Thy LoveHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
Rise Up, My Love: No. 3, My Beloved Is Gone DownHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
Rise Up, My Love: No. 4, How Fair and How PleasantHoward Skempton, Exaudi Chamber Choir, James Weeks
Ben SomewhenHoward Skempton, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
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