Kenneth Leighton, a prominent figure in 20th-century British music, presents a captivating collection of his works in this album, released on April 1, 2000, under the Chandos label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a testament to Leighton's versatility and mastery of choral composition. The album features a diverse range of pieces, each showcasing Leighton's unique style and his deep understanding of musical structure and expression.
The album opens with the Sonatina No. 2, a work that exemplifies Leighton's ability to blend classical forms with modern sensibilities. Following this, the Five Studies, Op. 22, offer a series of contrasting movements that highlight Leighton's compositional prowess. The Fantasia contrappuntistica, Op. 24, "Homage to Bach," is a standout piece, paying tribute to the great Baroque master while forging its own distinctive path.
Leighton's affinity for evocative titles and narrative-inspired music is evident in the Pieces for Angela, Op. 47. Each movement, from "Clockwork Doll" to "Final Fanfare," paints a vivid picture and tells a story through sound. The album concludes with the Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 95, which, despite their title, are far from sentimental, instead offering a rich tapestry of musical ideas and techniques.
This album is a comprehensive introduction to Kenneth Leighton's choral works, offering a glimpse into his evolution as a composer from 1929 to 1988. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Leighton's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2000 Chandos Records2000 Chandos Records
Tracks
Sonatina No. 2: I. AllegroKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Sonatina No. 2: II. Andante sostenutoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Sonatina No. 2: III. Allegro moltoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Five Studies, Op. 22: I. Allegro ma non troppoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Five Studies, Op. 22: II. Allegro leggerissimoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Five Studies, Op. 22: III. Allegro moltoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Five Studies, Op. 22: IV. Molto lento, molto espressivo, ed un poco liberamenteKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Five Studies, Op. 22: V. Presto con bravuraKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Fantasia contrappuntistica, Op. 24, "Homage to Bach": I. Maestoso ed un poco liberamenteKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Fantasia contrappuntistica, Op. 24, "Homage to Bach": II. Toccata. Allegro molto e ritmicoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Fantasia contrappuntistica, Op. 24, "Homage to Bach": III. Chorale. Lento sostenutoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Fantasia contrappuntistica, Op. 24, "Homage to Bach": IV. Fuga I. Allegretto con motoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Fantasia contrappuntistica, Op. 24, "Homage to Bach": V. Fuga II. Presto e gaio - Primo tempoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: I. Clockwork DollKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: II. The SwanKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: III. Little MinxKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: IV. Cradle-SongKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: V. A Sad Folk SongKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: VI. Leap-FrogKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: VII. LamentKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Pieces for Angela, Op. 47: VIII. Final FanfareKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 95: I. Molto moderatoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 95: II. Presto capricciosoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 95: III. Adagio moltoKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
Four Romantic Pieces, Op. 95: IV. Allegro molto e con brioKenneth Leighton, Margaret Fingerhut
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