Howard Skempton: The Cloths of Heaven - Choral Music and Songs

Howard Skempton's "The Cloths of Heaven - Choral Music and Songs" is a captivating exploration of minimalist choral music, released on Delphian Records in 2008. This album showcases Skempton's unique ability to weave intricate, yet accessible, musical tapestries that resonate with both the intellect and the heart. With a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes, the album offers a diverse collection of 25 tracks, each demonstrating Skempton's mastery of the choral form.

The album opens with "Upon my lap my sovereign sits" and closes with "Recessional," framing a journey through both sacred and secular themes. Skempton's settings of texts from the Song of Songs, Lamentations, and the Magnificat are particularly striking, showcasing his ability to evoke profound emotional landscapes with deceptively simple musical means. The inclusion of settings of Ralph Waldo Emerson's poems adds a philosophical depth to the collection, while the traditional carol "Adam lay y-bounden" offers a touch of familiar warmth.

Skempton's minimalist style is evident throughout, with each piece built from repetitive patterns that gradually unfold and evolve. The choral writing is intricate yet accessible, with Skempton demonstrating a keen ear for both harmonic and melodic development. The album is a testament to Skempton's ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, making it a compelling listen for fans of choral music and minimalism alike.