Howard Skempton: The Cloths of Heaven - Choral Music and Songs

Howard Skempton's "The Cloths of Heaven - Choral Music and Songs" is a captivating exploration of minimalist choral music, released on Delphian Records in 2008. This album showcases Skempton's unique ability to blend simplicity and depth, creating a sound that is both accessible and profound. The collection spans a variety of genres, including minimalism and choral music, and features a diverse range of pieces that highlight Skempton's versatility as a composer.

The album opens with "Upon my lap my sovereign sits" and closes with "Recessional," taking the listener on a journey through sacred and secular themes. Notable tracks include "Locus iste," a serene and meditative piece, and "The Song of Songs," which showcases the beauty of choral harmonies. The album also features settings of texts by Ralph Waldo Emerson, including "Music," "Brahma," "Pan," and "Bartholomew Lawrence," which add a philosophical depth to the collection.

Skempton's "Missa brevis" is a standout piece, offering a concise yet powerful setting of the Latin Mass text. The album also includes settings of traditional texts such as "Adam lay y-bounden" and "Magnificat & Nunc dimittis," demonstrating Skempton's skill in handling both contemporary and traditional material.

With a duration of just over an hour and ten minutes, this album is a testament to Howard Skempton's mastery of choral composition. Whether you're a fan of minimalist music or simply appreciate the beauty of choral singing, "The Cloths of Heaven - Choral Music and Songs" is sure to leave a lasting impression.