The Complete Organ Works of Kenneth Leighton

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Kenneth Leighton's organ compositions with "The Complete Organ Works of Kenneth Leighton." This expansive collection, released in 1990 on Priory Records, showcases the masterful craftsmanship of one of the 20th century's most distinguished composers. Spanning over two and a half hours, this album is a comprehensive journey through Leighton's organ repertoire, performed with virtuosity by Dennis Townhill.

Kenneth Leighton, born in 1929, was renowned for his consummate skill in writing for the organ. His works, characterized by their thrilling communicative power, range from solo organ pieces to more complex compositions involving organ duets and collaborations with other instruments. This album features a diverse array of Leighton's organ works, including the majestic "Scherzo & Passacaglia, Op. 41," the reflective "Elegy for Organ," and the triumphant "Missa de gloria, Op. 82."

The album is a testament to Leighton's ability to blend traditional organ music with modern compositional techniques, resulting in pieces that are both deeply rooted in the organ's rich history and strikingly innovative. Whether you are a seasoned organ enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances on this album are brought to life on the historic organs of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Symphony Hall in Birmingham, and St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, London, each contributing its unique sonic character to the recordings.

This album is not just a collection of Kenneth Leighton's organ works; it is a celebration of his enduring legacy and a testament to his enduring influence on the world of organ music.

12 februari 1990

1990 Priory 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.