Kenneth Leighton: Organ Works, Volume 2

Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Kenneth Leighton's organ compositions with "Kenneth Leighton: Organ Works, Volume 2." This captivating collection, released on Resonus Classics, showcases the mastery of Kenneth Leighton, a composer renowned for his depth and talent in organ and sacred choral music. The album features a stellar performance by organist Stephen Farr and tenor Nicky Spence, bringing Leighton's works to life with precision and passion.

"Kenneth Leighton: Organ Works, Volume 2" includes a diverse range of pieces, from the majestic "Festival Fanfare" to the intricate "Prelude, Scherzo & Passacaglia, Op. 41," which was Leighton's first major organ piece and was commissioned for performance at Norwich Cathedral. The album also features the hauntingly beautiful "Et Resurrexit" and the stirring "Veni Creator Spiritus," each piece a testament to Leighton's compositional genius.

Recorded in 2016, this album offers a rich and immersive experience, spanning 53 minutes of choral and organ brilliance. Whether you are a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. Dive into the world of Kenneth Leighton and discover the timeless beauty of his organ works.

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.