Leighton: Sonata Op. 64, Sonata No. 3, Preludes & Winter Scenes

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kenneth Leighton's piano compositions with this exquisite album, released on the prestigious Chandos label. This collection showcases Leighton's mastery of the piano, featuring a blend of sonatas, preludes, and evocative suites that highlight his unique voice in 20th-century classical music.

The album opens with the Piano Sonata, Op. 64, a work that Leighton completed in 1972, nearly two decades after his last sonata for the instrument. This sonata is a testament to Leighton's evolving style and technical prowess, offering a rich and engaging listening experience. Following this, the album presents five preludes, each a miniature masterpiece that demonstrates Leighton's ability to convey depth and nuance within a concise form.

One of the standout features of this album is the premiere recording of "Winter Scenes," a suite that captures the essence of the season through seven vivid and atmospheric movements. This work, along with the Sonata No. 3, Op. 27, showcases Leighton's growing mastery of piano technique and his ability to create evocative and compelling music.

The album concludes with the Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 27, another premiere recording that further illustrates Leighton's skill and innovation. Throughout the album, Leighton's compositions are brought to life by the sensitive and expressive playing of Margaret Fingerhut, making this a truly memorable and enjoyable collection for fans of classical piano music.

1 jun 2010

2010 Chandos Records

About Kenneth Leighton

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.