Divine Art Records

Composer: Edward Elgar

  • Parallels – music for organ

    Parallels – music for organ

    Parallels is meticulously curated album that explores the organ’s remarkable breadth and sonority. Featuring three monumental organ works and delightful arrangements of English classics, the collection is a testament to the grandeur and versatility of the instrument.

    Florence Price’s Suite No. 1, makes its debut commercial recording. This substantial and captivating composition draws inspiration from spirituals, hymns, and pentatonic themes, showcasing a harmonious fusion of jazz influences. The rhythmic drive and themes in the final Toccato pay homage to the engaging Rubrics by Dan Locklair, creating a seamless connection between the featured works.

    The album’s title, Parallels, reflects Florence Price’s artistic vision, aiming to convey a heritage through the past while being influenced by contemporary contacts. This intention is beautifully realised in Suite No. 1, where the chromatic harmony reminiscent of Suite Gothique meets the rhythmic vitality of Rubrics. As a nod to the present day, the album includes Alexander’s own arrangement of Coldplay’s hit single Paradise, seamlessly blending modernity with Price’s timeless compositions. Parallels is not just an album; it’s a transformative auditory experience that invites listeners to explore the intersections of tradition and innovation on the Harrison and Harrison organ. The past converges with the present in perfect harmony.

    The surprise appearances of music not typically associated with the organ successfully adds an element of excitement and discovery. The album also features splendid organ arrangements of English staples like Elgar’s Chanson de Matin and Pomp and Circumstance, further showcasing the instrument’s versatility. “Parallels” is an invitation to discover the intersections of tradition and innovation, a celebration of timeless compositions, and a showcase of the capabilities of Cheltenham College Chapel’s Harrison and Harrison organ. This album also celebrates the 150th anniversary of Gustav Holst’s birth with the inclusion of Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity fromThe Planets Op. 32 arranged by Thomas Trotter.

    Alexander Ffinch has established himself as a renowned organist with performances spanning the UK, Europe, USA, and Asia. Notable for his role as the College Organist at Cheltenham College since 2004, Alexander oversees daily organ performances in the College Chapel and accompanies choirs while maintaining an active schedule as a recitalist, featuring prominently in events like the Cheltenham International Music Festival and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. His 2019 album, Transformations (DDA 25193), received critical acclaim.

  • Found in Dreams

    Found in Dreams

    Helen Habershon is both an accomplished performer and an inspired composer of music which often evokes nature, or human emotions and sensibilities this is music which is ‘easy listening’ and in the light music tradition, and is unpretentious, but never facile: it has deep meaning. Her first two CDs have been highly praised and were Album of the Month and Album of the Week on Classic FM (UK) respectively. Her most recent album, ‘Found in Winter’, released in 2019, has been aired by Classic FM ever since. Helen had an established performing career until a serious injury led her to turn to composing, but she is now once again able to perform. Here she teams up with the successful pianist and arranger John Lenehan, who has appeared on over 70 recordings including several solo albums for Sony.

    For Found in Dreams Helen Habershon and John Lenehan offer a wonderfully diverse collection of repertoire. This includes beautiful arrangements of some of their favourite pieces; a couple of short movements of outstanding clarinet repertoire by Brahms and Finzi and some delightful new compositions of their own. As well as his beautifully crafted arrangements John has also written two lovely pieces to add to Helen’s. The cover design is a dream image from Helen’s five year old grandson.

    Throughout history mankind has been intrigued by the idea of dreams and Helen is no exception. As she says: “It’s interesting that all happenings begin as an idea and in order to get an idea one has to be in a receptive place. When creating I find myself in a kind of timeless space, rather like a daydream. I love the freedom of dreams, anything can happen. There are no boundaries and we are free to explore with no limits. The theme of ‘dreams’ came quite naturally and many of the pieces in the album reflect this.”

  • Enigmas

    Enigmas

    A varied range of masterful works from English 20th century composers – some familiar and all major works of importance. Elgar composed his Enigma Variations at the piano; it was always suitable for a solo version and Elgar himself wrote this. Bowen’s Flute Sonata is well known – a Romantic staple — as is Leighton’s Elegy, which deserves to be better known. The piano solo work Folio I is lively and full of fun, while the two Sonnets of Rubbra are exquisitely gorgeous and absolutely essential listening.

    Fine performances by pianist Elspeth Wyllie who is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician/accompanist, working throughout the UK and other countries. The young set of musicians here show exceptional talent and musicianship in the recorded works which are very varied yet make up a coherent concert album.

  • The Expressive Voice of the Flute

    The Expressive Voice of the Flute

    Among the instruments, the flute is one which has one of the widest expressive tones, especially heard to advantage in this collection of 46 light classics, ranging from the dreamy and romantic to the lively and sparkling. Original works are joined by many arrangements of popular orchestral or piano pieces, many by the performers. A feast of virtuosity and superb for both concentrated listening or lightening the mood. Over 145 minutes of great music. This set is a sequel to ‘Flute Vocalise’ (DDV24156) another fine collection (single CD midprice).

    Some tracks on this set were previously available on ASV and have been remastered and new recordings added.

  • The Piano at the Ballet

    The Piano at the Ballet

    The final part of Anthony Goldstone’s brilliant triptych of recitals including transcriptions, variations, fantasias, and arrangements of music from public ‘spectacles’ – the first two CDs attracted enormous critical praise and this volume is no less fine, containing perhaps a few more well-known themes, such as those from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, but in fresh and new arrangements by the performer – indeed most of the music here is receiving its first recording.

    Now, posthumously, here is volume 2 (DDA 25148)

    A Night at the Opera (DDA 25067)
    The Piano at the Carnival (DDA 25076)

  • Violin Songs

    Violin Songs

    From one of the UK’s most celebrated and accomplished violinists comes a recording of personal favourites in a recital of romantic and lyrical music par excellence. Madeleine Mitchell is enjoying a highly successful career in both recording and live recitals, and her first CD for Divine Art is a joyful celebration of her chosen instrument. With highly accomplished pianist Andrew Ball, and joined in Strauss’s “Morgen” by soprano Elizabeth Watts, winner of the 2007 Recital Prize at the Cardiff “Singer of the World” competition. Included is the first ever recording of the newly-discovered Morceau Caracteristique by Frank Bridge.

  • Elgar: Symphony no. 2 / Hoddinott: Investiture Dances

    Elgar: Symphony no. 2 / Hoddinott: Investiture Dances

    To celebrate the 60th birthday of the oldest national youth orchestra in Europe, a sparkling and brilliant performance of Elgar’s Second Symphony, and the only recording available of the three Investiture Dances by Wales’ premier composer.