Howard Skempton's "Well, well Cornelius," released in 1996 under Sony Classical, is a captivating collection of minimalist and choral compositions that showcase the composer's unique ability to create profound emotional depth with seemingly simple musical elements. The album spans a little over an hour and features a diverse range of pieces, each with its own distinct charm and character.
The title track, "Well, well Cornelius," is a serene and reflective piece composed in memory of Skempton's friend, Cornelius Cardew, who tragically passed away in an accident. This piece sets the tone for the rest of the album, which is filled with introspective and evocative melodies that resonate long after the final note fades away.
Throughout the album, Skempton's mastery of minimalist composition is evident in tracks like "Trace," "Air," and "Saltaire Melody," where subtle repetitions and gentle variations create a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere. The choral pieces, such as "Chorale" and "Sweet Chariot," add a layer of depth and richness to the album, showcasing Skempton's versatility as a composer.
"Well, well Cornelius" also includes a series of piano pieces that highlight Skempton's ability to convey complex emotions through simple, yet elegant, musical phrases. Tracks like "Piano Piece 1969," "Rumba," and "Toccata" demonstrate his skill in crafting memorable and emotionally resonant melodies.
The album concludes with "The Durham Strike (1985)" and "Postlude," leaving the listener with a sense of closure and contemplation. Howard Skempton's "Well, well Cornelius" is a testament to the power of minimalist composition and the enduring appeal of choral music. It is a collection that invites repeated listening and offers a rich and rewarding experience for any music enthusiast.
1996 Sony Classical, a division of Sony Entertainment Holdings GmbH
Tracks
Well, well CorneliusHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
June '77Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
TraceHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
AirHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Saltaire MelodyHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
senza licenzaHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
InventionHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
passing fancyHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Sweet ChariotHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
ChoraleHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
First PreludeHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Piano Piece 1969Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
RumbaHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
ToccataHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Quavers 5Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
A RomaHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Of LateHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Campanella 3Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
CampanellaHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Swedish CapriceHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Quavers 3Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
una barcarola eccentricaHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: PreludeHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 1Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 2Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 2Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 5Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 3Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: The Cockfight: A traditional songHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 3Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 4Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 6Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 5Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Song 2Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 4Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 7Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 7Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 8Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Prelude 8Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Interlude 6Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: VariationsHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
Images: Postlude: The Keel RowHoward Skempton, John Tilbury
The Durham Strike (1985)Howard Skempton, John Tilbury
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