DCD34056-CD

Howard Skempton: The Cloths of Heaven

Best known as a composer of exquisitely quirky miniatures for solo piano or accordion, Howard Skempton has in recent years developed an equally strong affinity for the choral medium. The Exon Singers’ programme includes a new Missa brevis composed especially for this recording, alongside songs and shorter choral and organ pieces surveying Skempton’s output over the past quarter-century.

"The Exons are at their most exciting in exalted mode - the Sanctus from the Missa brevis is thrilling. Ave virgo sanctissima, too, is wonderful."

"…the Exon Singers…responsiveness is a tribute to Matthew Owens whether as director or organist. The sound provides an ideal ambience and presentation is on a par with earlier Delphian issues, making for a release in which Skempton admirers and newcomers alike will find much to savour."

"The solo singing is generally very good and the contributions of the Exon Singers are uniformly excellent. The recorded sound is first rate and, all in all, this is a disc that serves Howard Skempton’s music very well indeed."

Release Date: 25 August 2008
Catalogue No: DCD34056
Total playing time: 1:10:17
 
Recorded on 3-5 January 2008 in Wells Cathedral; 3 June 2008 at Crichton Collegiate Church
 
Producer: Paul Baxter
Engineer: Beth Mackay
24-bit digital editing: Adam Binks
24-bit digital mastering: Paul Baxter
 
Design: Drew Padrutt
Cover image: Michelangelo Buonarroti, Madonna and Child with St Joseph (Doni Tondo), c. 1503
Photography: Paul Baxter & Raymond Parks
 

Album Booklet

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