Immerse yourself in the sacred and evocative world of Kenneth Leighton's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released by Naxos in 2004. Kenneth Leighton, born in Wakefield, England, began his musical journey at the tender age of eight, and his compositions reflect a deep understanding and appreciation for the choral tradition. This album showcases two of his most significant works: "An Easter Sequence" and "Crucifixus Pro Nobis."
"An Easter Sequence," composed for boys' voices in three parts, is a stunning exploration of the Easter season, featuring intricate and beautiful settings of traditional texts. The sequence includes various movements such as the Introit, Gradual, Offertory, Communion, and Sortie, each offering a unique perspective on the Easter narrative.
"Crucifixus Pro Nobis," Op. 38, is a profound and moving cantata that delves into the passion of Christ. The work is divided into several sections, including "Christ in the Cradle," "Christ in the Garden," "Christ in his Passion," and a concluding "Hymn." Leighton's masterful use of tonality and texture creates a deeply engaging and reflective experience.
The album also features other notable works by Leighton, such as the "Magnificat" and "Nunc Dimittis" settings, as well as the hauntingly beautiful "Veni creator spiritus" and "What love is this of thine?" Each piece is performed with precision and passion, bringing Leighton's vision to life.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a comprehensive introduction to Kenneth Leighton's sacred choral music. Whether you are a long-time admirer of choral works or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances are conducted with skill and sensitivity, ensuring that every nuance of Leighton's compositions is brought to the forefront.
2004 Naxos2004 Naxos
Tracks
MagnificatKenneth Leighton, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, "Collegium Magdalenae Oxoniense": Nunc DimittisKenneth Leighton, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Give me the wings of faithKenneth Leighton, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
An Easter Sequence: Introit (for the First Sundy after Easter)Kenneth Leighton, Benjamin Durrant, Gareth Jones, Christopher Robinson, Crispian Steele-Perkins, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
An Easter Sequence: Gradual (for the First Sunday after Easter)Kenneth Leighton, Benjamin Durrant, Gareth Jones, Christopher Robinson, Crispian Steele-Perkins, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
An Easter Sequence: Offertory (for the First Sunday after Easter)Kenneth Leighton, Benjamin Durrant, Gareth Jones, Christopher Robinson, Crispian Steele-Perkins, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
An Easter Sequence: Communion (for the First Sunday after Easter)Kenneth Leighton, Benjamin Durrant, Gareth Jones, Christopher Robinson, Crispian Steele-Perkins, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
An Easter Sequence: Sortie (Antiphon at First Vespers of Ascension Day)Kenneth Leighton, Benjamin Durrant, Gareth Jones, Christopher Robinson, Crispian Steele-Perkins, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Veni creator spiritusKenneth Leighton, Christopher Whitton
What love is this of thine?Kenneth Leighton, Benjamin Durrant, Christopher Robinson, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Crucifixus pro nobis, Op. 38: Christ in the CradleKenneth Leighton, James Oxley, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Crucifixus pro nobis, Op. 38: Christ in the GardenKenneth Leighton, James Oxley, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Crucifixus pro nobis, Op. 38: Christ in his PassionKenneth Leighton, James Oxley, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Crucifixus pro nobis, Op. 38: HymnKenneth Leighton, James Oxley, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Rockingham: Chorale Prelude on 'When I survey the wondrous Cross'Kenneth Leighton, Christopher Whitton
MagnificatKenneth Leighton, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, "The Second Service", Op. 62: Nunc DimittisKenneth Leighton, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Whitton, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
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.
Vinylscout
Kenneth Leighton
