Leighton: Missa de Gloria - Et Resurrexit - Hymn Fantasies - Kenneth Leighton

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Kenneth Leighton's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2011. This collection showcases Leighton's distinctive style, blending melodic lyricism, intricate counterpoint, and dynamic rhythmic energy. The album opens with "Et Resurrexit, Op. 49," a powerful work that builds to a cataclysmic climax, followed by six enchanting fantasies on hymn tunes, each offering a unique interpretation of beloved melodies.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa de Gloria, Op. 82," also known as the "Dublin Festival Mass." Commissioned for the first Dublin International Choral Festival, this mass is based on an ancient plainchant from the Sarum rite for Easter Sunday. Composed in 1979-1980, it exemplifies Leighton's mastery of choral writing, with each movement—from the solemn "Kyrie" to the triumphant "Ite missa est"—demonstrating his deep understanding of harmony and texture.

Organist Greg Morris accompanies the choral works, adding depth and resonance to the performances. The album's duration of 69 minutes provides a substantial and satisfying listening experience, making it an excellent addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Kenneth Leighton's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a compelling introduction to his unique voice in the choral repertoire.

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.