Divine Art Records

Artist: Lesley-Jane Rogers

  • Thomas Pitfield: His Friends & Contemporaries

    Thomas Pitfield: His Friends & Contemporaries

    “Thomas Pitfield: His Friends & Contemporaries” pays homage to the multifaceted talent of Thomas Baron Pitfield (1903-1999). Pitfield was not just a composer; he embodied the essence of a Renaissance man, excelling in various fields including teaching, visual arts, poetry, writing, furniture making, and ornithology. Despite his immense talents, Pitfield remained modest and unassuming, dedicating himself to nurturing the gifts of his students at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he taught composition from 1947 onwards.

    This album sheds light on Pitfield’s contributions to the classical music landscape, showcasing his compositions alongside those of his contemporaries including John Joubert, E. J. Moeran, Ernst Hermann Meyer, John McCabe, and many more. While Pitfield’s name may not be as widely recognized as some of his peers from the “Manchester School,” such as Richard Hall, his music exudes charm, wit, and inventiveness that captivate listeners. In an era marked by the emergence of modernist compositions, Pitfield chose to traverse the middle ground, creating music that resonates with its timeless appeal.

    Throughout his tenure as a composition teacher, Pitfield played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of notable composers like John McCabe, David Ellis, and John Golland, the latter of whom also shared a close personal friendship with Pitfield. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by the achievements of his contemporaries, Pitfield’s legacy lives on through a revival of interest in his music.

    The album offers a glimpse into Pitfield’s musical world, featuring a selection of chamber and instrumental works that highlight his artistic vision and craftsmanship. Pitfield’s compositions are filled with elegance, lyricism, and emotional depth. His music not only showcases his technical skill but also reflects his genuine love for the art form and his dedication to inspiring future generations of musicians.

    Moreover, the album serves as a tribute to Pitfield’s enduring influence on his peers and students. His selfless encouragement and mentorship left an indelible mark on those he taught, fostering a sense of camaraderie among composers and musicians. Pitfield’s generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence resonate throughout the album, underscoring his legacy as both an artist and an educator.

    This double album celebrates the life and work of a remarkable individual whose contributions to the world of classical music extend far beyond his compositions. Through this album, listeners will rediscover the brilliance of Thomas Baron Pitfield and the rich music woven by his friends and contemporaries.

  • Songs for Sir John – A tribute to Sir John Manduell

    Songs for Sir John – A tribute to Sir John Manduell

    Sir John Manduell was a pivotal figure in British music – as composer, teacher, BBC producer, first principal of the Northern Royal College of Music and founder of the European Opera Centre. Beloved and revered by musicians, yet someone whose name is shamefully little known outside the music profession.

    This album in tribute presents works by 16 composers from more than one generation, centred around settings of W.B. Yeats and principally songs with oboe, recorder, violin and cello. The music is varied, rich and wonderfully set to the texts, and yet the textures are always transparent and clear; there is nothing inherently ‘difficult’ for the listener. The performers are among the cream of the Music world of Northern England, and also, in the Robin Walker Nursery Rhymes (the only work not specially recorded for the album), feature the iconic veteran BBC presenter Richard Baker. Many of these artists have starred in several other Divine Art and Metier albums – click their names above for details.

    Even without the Manduell connection this is a wonderfully constructed program of new chamber music. In the track list below, the non-vocal works are marked *.

  • Visions of the Greek Soul

    Visions of the Greek Soul

    Cilia Petridou was an accomplished pianist until her career was ended by major surgery, since when she has concentrated on composition. Moving with her family to the UK, she was hugely affected by the Turkish invasion of north Cyprus which destroyed their home town of Famagusta; her music is often informed by that political and social tragedy and also by the landscapes of Cyprus, ancient literature and the Greek Orthodox liturgy.

    This double album is in two parts: The Asmata is a collection of songs inspired by modern Greek poetry, divided between two sopranos. A small vocal ensemble then presents the Byzantine Doxology, a new setting of Orthodox liturgical texts. Most is sung in Greek and is suffused, even in the case of a setting of Emily Dickinson, with the musical traditions of that country. The composer has also been much inspired by the ancient writings of Anyte of Tegea.

    More music by Cilia can be found on ‘Sounds of the Chionistra‘ and ‘The Mystery of Christmas‘

  • The Mystery of Christmas – Greek Kalanda (Carols)

    The Mystery of Christmas – Greek Kalanda (Carols)

    There is a tradition among the Greek peoples of the singing of carols (‘Kalanda’) on Christmas Eve. This album is a set of carols newly composed by Greek-Cypriot composer Cilia Petridou. As musical works they also qualify as art-song in fine performances by three excellent sopranos. For those who love Christmas music but want something new, this album will fit the bill.

    The three sopranos each take a number of solo carols and form a trio for the last two; Lesley-Jane and Alison have both worked with the composer for some time and also made several highly-praised recordings for Divine Art and Metier.

    Cilia Petridou was an accomplished pianist until her career was ended by major surgery, since when she has concentrated on composition. Though she moved to England in 1965, she is deeply affected by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the still unresolved political situation on the island. While some of her music such as that included on the album “Sounds of the Chionistra” reflects this tragedy, her Kalanda are bright and full of joy.

    The Carols are sung in Greek. texts and English translations included in the booklet.

  • Sonnets, Airs and Dances

    Sonnets, Airs and Dances

    British composer Philip Wood writes in a beautifully lyrical and melodic style which is totally accessible, Here his work is profiled by top soloists in vocal and chamber works of great variety.

  • Of Times and Seasons – Songs and Anthems by Peter Lea-Cox

    Of Times and Seasons – Songs and Anthems by Peter Lea-Cox

    Peter Lea-Cox is an English composer who while concentrating on vocal (usually sacred) music, employs a huge range of styles in order to best express the words being set – from the dissonance of Winter Prelude to the simple folk-like melody of ‘Let the Season Lift your Spirit’. Above all is Peter’s tremendous sensitivity to the texts and the word-painting and coloration he employs. This album presents a set of six songs on texts by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a set of Anthems for solo voice – for several of the ecclesiastical seasons – and a collection of other songs.

  • Sounds of the Chionistra

    Sounds of the Chionistra

    The Chionistra is the beautiful Mount Olympus in Cyprus where the crocuses grow (not the one in Greece where the ancient gods ruled) … and close to home for Greek Cypriot composer Cilia Petridou, who though she moved to England in 1965, was deeply affected by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the still unresolved partition of the island. CD1 (songs) and CD2 (Chamber works) reflect this tragedy and the loss of the city of Famagusta, contrasted with the happy memories of an idyllic childhood, in deeply felt, Romantically styled works beautifully performed – all first recordings.

  • Antony Hopkins – A Portrait

    Antony Hopkins – A Portrait

    Antony Hopkins is a phenomenon – a fact which escapes much of the public and even press who still confuse him with the actor (Anthony). Composer, pianist, conductor, broadcaster, lecturer, author … a true man of music. A live wire at the age of 91, (as we write in May 2012), his genius has suffered from fickle fashion, his ‘serious’ music being lyrical and tuneful though certainly deep and complex; his lighter music now seen as ‘period’ – and just ripe for rediscovery. This double album contains much fine music including eight pieces written by top British composers as tributes to Antony. For all interested in the evolution of 20th century music this album will be invaluable, and it’s also made with wit and humour, to suit the character of Hopkins himself.