Judith Bingham's "Heaven and Earth & Other Works" is a captivating choral journey released on Naxos, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that blend historical reverence with contemporary artistry. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a testament to Bingham's unique ability to weave together themes of history, mythology, and spirituality.
The album opens with "Heaven and Earth," a piece that sets the tone for the rest of the collection, followed by the evocative "Vanished London Churches" suite. This suite is a poignant exploration of lost architectural gems, each track named after a different church, immersing the audience in the rich history of London's ecclesiastical past. Bingham's compositions are not just musical but also narrative, painting vivid pictures of these vanished structures.
The album also includes "Bright Spirit," a beautifully arranged organ piece, and "Kalmar Rising," which delves into the layers of history beneath our feet. "Daphne's Room" is a trio of pieces that delve into mythological themes, while "Roman Conversions" explores the transformation of ancient sites and stories into new forms. The album concludes with "Missa Brevis V 'Behold the Sea': Voluntary 'Eternal Procession'," a reflective and uplifting choral work.
Judith Bingham's mastery of choral composition is evident throughout, making "Heaven and Earth & Other Works" a compelling addition to any music lover's collection. The album's blend of historical depth and musical innovation offers a unique listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
2021 Naxos2021 Naxos
Tracks
Heaven and EarthJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny, Johan Hammarstrom
Vanished London Churches: Opening (Candlelight)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: I. St. Michael's, Crooked Lane in Candlewick WardJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: II. St. Swithin, Candlewright Street (London Stone)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: III. St. John Zachary (Midsummer's Day)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: IV. The First St. Stephen, Walbrook, Invisible Above the Ruins of the MithraeumJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: V. The Body of St. Edmund Is Brought to St. Gregory by St. Paul's for Safety, in 1016Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: VI. Old St. Paul's, 1666 (Firelight)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Bright Spirit (Arr. T. Winpenny & J. Bingham for Organ)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Kalmar Rising: I. The Past Beneath Our FeetJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny, Johan Hammarstrom
Daphne's Room: I. —Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Daphne's Room: II. —Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Daphne's Room: III. —Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: I. San Clemente (A Mithraic Temple Lies Under Two Medieval Churches)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: II. Bernini's Daphne and ApolloJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: III. The Sleeping HermaphroditeJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: IV. William Shelley, Son of an English Poet Is Transformed into Seed and FlowersJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: V. Porta AlchemicaJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Mountain MusicJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Missa Brevis V "Behold the Sea": Voluntary "Eternal Procession"Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny, Johan Hammarstrom
Vinylscout