Editorial Reviews

Listeners who treasure the music written for English cathedrals in general and the music of Herbert Howells in particular will find much to enjoy on this 2008 release of music by Kenneth Leighton. With Matthew Owens leading the Wells Cathedral Choir, Leighton's earnest and well-written music sounds remarkably effective. Composed in a highly modal harmonic style, Leighton's music sounds distinctly of its postwar time. But because of its ardent style and often ecstatic expressivity, it also sounds distinctly timeless, with the ghosts of Byrd and Gibbons haunting its massive chorals. Four of the five works here are for chorus and orchestra, and in each of them, Owens and the Cathedral Choir turn in strongly expressive performances. Though the choir itself is divided between 23 children and 12 adults, Owens adroitly balances the ensemble so that Leighton's counterpoints and sonorities are clearly audible. For the fifth work, organist David Bednall turns in a contemplative performance of the "Chorale Prelude Rockingham." Recorded in the Wells Cathedral, Hyperion's digital sound is atmospheric. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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