John Scott - organ, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Richard Hickox - Conductor
1-3. Symphony for Strings, op.3; 4-6. Concerto for Organ, String Orch. and Timpani, op.58; 7-9. Concerto for String Orchestra, op.39
Conductor Richard Hickox makes a return visit to Cardiff from his Australian duties, once again directing his old Welsh orchestra, and this wonderful disc is the result. Orchestra, soloists and conductor are at all times deftly accurate, precise and expressive. The acoustics of Saint David’s Hall, Cardiff, were never better than on those two days in late November 2006 when this was recorded. A disc to treasure.
- excerpt from Wholenote Magzine review, July 2008
All Premiere Recordings.
One of the most distinguished post-war British composers, and most frequently performed both in the UK and abroad, Kenneth Leighton wrote music that maintains a compelling balance between the romantic tradition and early serialism. His lyrical and colorfully orchestrated works not only suggest a lively if often dark imagination, but demonstrate a scope explored by remarkably few of his countrymen. Richard Hickox and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales here present the first of two CDs devoted to orchestral works by Leighton.
The soloist in this recording is the internationally renowned concert organist John Scott, particularly acclaimed for his performances of works by twentieth-century composers. Scott began his career as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral. A former choir director of St Paul's Cathedral, he now holds the post of Organist and Director of Music at St Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue in New York.
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Price: $25.98