Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Kenneth Leighton's choral masterpiece, "That Sweet City," a captivating exploration of spring's arrival and the beauty of nature. Released on October 25, 2024, via Signum Records, this album is a celebration of life and renewal, featuring the renowned Choir of the Queen's College, Oxford, accompanied by the Britten Sinfonia and distinguished soloists Rowan Atkinson, Nick Pritchard, and Owen Rees.
The centerpiece of the album is Leighton's "Veris gratia, Op. 6," a ten-movement composition that paints a vivid musical portrait of the spring season. From the gentle "Prelude" to the triumphant "Epilogue," each movement offers a unique perspective on the wonders of nature and the human experience. The album also includes "An Oxford Elegy," a poignant piece that showcases the choir's exquisite harmonies and the soloists' expressive performances.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, "That Sweet City" is a testament to Kenneth Leighton's compositional genius and the choir's exceptional musicianship. The album's lush orchestration and intricate vocal arrangements create a rich tapestry of sound that will captivate listeners from start to finish. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
(C) 2024 Signum Classics(P) 2024 Signum Records
Tracks
Veris gratia, Op. 6: I. PreludeKenneth Leighton, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees, David Cuthbert
Veris gratia, Op. 6: II. AubadeKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, The Choir of The Queen's College Oxford, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees
Veris gratia, Op. 6: III. LamentKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees, Nick Pritchard
Veris gratia, Op. 6: IV. ElegyKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees
Veris gratia, Op. 6: V. EclogueKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, The Choir of The Queen's College Oxford, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees, Alaw Grug Evans
Veris gratia, Op. 6: VI. PaeanKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, The Choir of The Queen's College Oxford, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees
Veris gratia, Op. 6: VII. Hymn to CyprisKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, The Choir of The Queen's College Oxford, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees
Veris gratia, Op. 6: VIII. ErotikonKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees, Nick Pritchard
Veris gratia, Op. 6: IX. NocturneKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees
Veris gratia, Op. 6: X. EpilogueKenneth Leighton, David Cuthbert, The Choir of The Queen's College Oxford, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees
An Oxford ElegyRalph Vaughan Williams, The Choir of The Queen's College Oxford, Britten Sinfonia, Owen Rees, Rowan Atkinson