Judith Bingham's "Heaven and Earth & Other Works" is a captivating exploration of choral music, released in 2021 under the Naxos label. This album spans a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, featuring 20 tracks that showcase Bingham's mastery as one of the foremost British composers for the organ. The collection is a blend of atmospheric and evocative pieces, each one a testament to Bingham's ability to conjure vivid soundscapes.
The album opens with "Heaven and Earth," setting the tone for a journey through time and space, from the vanished churches of London to the ancient ruins of Rome. Tracks like "Vanished London Churches" and "Roman Conversions" delve into historical and mythological narratives, while pieces like "Daphne's Room" and "Mountain Music" offer more abstract and contemplative moments. The inclusion of "Missa Brevis V 'Behold the Sea': Voluntary 'Eternal Procession'" adds a sacred and solemn dimension to the collection.
Judith Bingham's compositions are known for their powerful atmospheres, and this album is no exception. Whether it's the dark, growling pedal work or the delicate tremolo, each piece is crafted to immerse the listener in a rich tapestry of sound. The collaboration with Tom Winpenny and Johan Hammarström brings an added layer of depth and nuance to the performances, making this album a standout in Bingham's discography.
2021 Naxos2021 Naxos
Tracks
Heaven and EarthJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny, Johan Hammarstrom
Vanished London Churches: Opening (Candlelight)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: I. St. Michael's, Crooked Lane in Candlewick WardJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: II. St. Swithin, Candlewright Street (London Stone)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: III. St. John Zachary (Midsummer's Day)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: IV. The First St. Stephen, Walbrook, Invisible Above the Ruins of the MithraeumJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: V. The Body of St. Edmund Is Brought to St. Gregory by St. Paul's for Safety, in 1016Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Vanished London Churches: VI. Old St. Paul's, 1666 (Firelight)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Bright Spirit (Arr. T. Winpenny & J. Bingham for Organ)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Kalmar Rising: I. The Past Beneath Our FeetJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny, Johan Hammarstrom
Daphne's Room: I. —Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Daphne's Room: II. —Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Daphne's Room: III. —Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: I. San Clemente (A Mithraic Temple Lies Under Two Medieval Churches)Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: II. Bernini's Daphne and ApolloJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: III. The Sleeping HermaphroditeJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: IV. William Shelley, Son of an English Poet Is Transformed into Seed and FlowersJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Roman Conversions: V. Porta AlchemicaJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Mountain MusicJudith Bingham, Tom Winpenny
Missa Brevis V "Behold the Sea": Voluntary "Eternal Procession"Judith Bingham, Tom Winpenny, Johan Hammarstrom
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