Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Kenneth Leighton's complete organ works, meticulously compiled in this comprehensive three-disc set. Released by Resonus Classics, this collection showcases the masterful compositions of Kenneth Leighton, a renowned figure in the realm of choral and organ music. With a duration spanning over three hours and twenty-eight minutes, this album is a testament to Leighton's artistic genius and his enduring legacy in the music world.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the stirring "Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72" to the grand "Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 'Dublin Festival Mass'." Each piece is a masterclass in composition, demonstrating Leighton's ability to blend traditional hymn tunes with innovative musical techniques. The inclusion of works like "Prelude, Scherzo and Passacaglia, Op. 41," Leighton's first major organ piece, offers a glimpse into the evolution of his musical style and his contributions to the genre.
Performances on this album are brought to life by esteemed organists Stephen Farr and John Butt, along with tenor Nicky Spence, ensuring that every note resonates with the intended depth and clarity. The album's meticulous production and the performers' dedication to authenticity make this collection a vital addition to any classical music enthusiast's library. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Kenneth Leighton's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album promises an enriching and enlightening experience.
(C) 2017 Resonus Limited
Tracks
Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72: I. HelmsleyKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72: II. Aus der Tiefe (Heinlein)Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72: III. LumettoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72: IV. St Columba (Erin)Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72: V. Veni EmmanuelKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Six Fantasies on Hymn Tunes, Op. 72: VI. Toccata on HanoverKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Dialogues on a Scottish Psalm Tune, Op. 73 "Martyrs"Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, John Butt
Improvisation in Memoriam Maurice de SausmarezKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 "Dublin Festival Mass": I. KyrieKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 "Dublin Festival Mass": II. GloriaKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 "Dublin Festival Mass": III. CredoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 "Dublin Festival Mass": IV. SanctusKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 "Dublin Festival Mass": V. Agnus DeiKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Missa de Gloria, Op. 82 "Dublin Festival Mass": VI. Ite, Missa EstKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Festival FanfareKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Et Resurrexit (Theme, Fantasy & Fugue), Op. 49: I. ThemeKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Et Resurrexit (Theme, Fantasy & Fugue), Op. 49: II. FantasyKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Et Resurrexit (Theme, Fantasy & Fugue), Op. 49: III. FugueKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
These are Thy Wonders, Op. 84 "A Song of Renewal"Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, Nicky Spence
Veni Creator SpiritusKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Prelude, Scherzo and Passacaglia, Op. 41: I. PreludeKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Prelude, Scherzo and Passacaglia, Op. 41: II. ScherzoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Prelude, Scherzo and Passacaglia, Op. 41: III. PassacagliaKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
PaeanKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Elegy, Op. 5Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
OdeKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Fantasy on a Chorale, Op. 80 "Es ist genug": I. Es ist genugKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, Chloë Hanslip
Fantasy on a Chorale, Op. 80 "Es ist genug": II. Herr, wenn ed dir gefälltKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, Chloë Hanslip
Fantasy on a Chorale, Op. 80 "Es ist genug": III. So spanne mich doch ausKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, Chloë Hanslip
Fantasy on a Chorale, Op. 80 "Es ist genug": IV. Ich fahre sicher hin mit FriedenKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, Chloë Hanslip
Fantasy on a Chorale, Op. 80 "Es ist genug": V. Es ist genugKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr, Chloë Hanslip
RockinghamKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
FanfareKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Veni Redemptor, Op. 93 "A Celebration"Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Improvisations, Op. 76 "De Profundis": I. Molto adagio e con fantasiaKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Improvisations, Op. 76 "De Profundis": II. Allegro e ritmicoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Improvisations, Op. 76 "De Profundis": III. Presto e leggieroKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Improvisations, Op. 76 "De Profundis": IV. AppassionatoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Improvisations, Op. 76 "De Profundis": V. Più sostenuto e molto espressivoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
Improvisations, Op. 76 "De Profundis": VI. Molto statico e misuratoKenneth Leighton, Stephen Farr
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.
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Kenneth Leighton
