Divine Art Records

Composer: Malcolm Lipkin

  • Malcolm Lipkin – Recollections

    Malcolm Lipkin – Recollections

    This album celebrates 50 years of the composing career of Malcolm Lipkin (1932-2017) and represents a fitting tribute to a long established and highly respected composer whose music at times was dismissed as old-fashioned for daring to employ real tunes; now it can be appreciated as thoroughly individual, proving that new music can be accessible without losing integrity. He produced a considerable collection of distinctive, finely crafted works in many genres, including two symphonies and an Oboe Concerto, six Sonatas and eight Nocturnes for piano, and chamber, vocal and choral pieces, several commissioned by leading performers.

    Three tracks here (Clifford’s Tower, Pastorale and String Trio) were recorded in 1984 by the Nash Ensemble, then as now among the cream of chamber groups; issued by Hyperion in 1986 on vinyl only, these recordings have been excellently remastered from LP for this new issue. Adding to the mix are new recordings by premier instrumentalists each of whom is celebrated in their own field as a musician of the highest calibre. Lipkin’s music whether sombre or witty is never short of interest and innovation.

  • Rawsthorne and Other Rarities

    Rawsthorne and Other Rarities

    In one sense this is a sequel to the recent release ‘A Garland for John McCabe’ (DDA 25166) – originally intended as a 2nd disc in that set, but it grew to be a full album in its own right, and is also dedicated to McCabe with first recordings of works by McCabe’s fellow composers. Just as importantly it is a feast of fine music by British and American composers, all (except one very short track) recorded for the first time, including principally music by Alan Rawsthorne – the early and jolly String Quartet in B minor, the Chamber Cantata, and the piano version of the remarkable ‘Practical Cats’.

    Clare Wilkinson is receiving rave reviews for her work and is a mezzo with beautiful tone; veteran baritone Mark Rowlinson is the fine reciter of ‘Cats’. John Turner, one of the leading recorder players of today and former member of many world-renowned early-music ensembles, and pianist Peter Lawson, another highly regarded performer who has played with most top British orchestras and has a long and distinguished recording and teaching career, are joined by keyboard maestro Harvey Davies and the very fine Solem Quartet.

  • A Garland for John McCabe

    A Garland for John McCabe

    John McCabe was almost a legend in his own lifetime, acknowledged as one of the foremost British composers of our time and also as a brilliant pianist who championed the work of many contemporary composers. Following his recent death, 19 composers wrote pieces in tribute for an ensemble of clarinet, recorder, viola and piano (and variations of the mix) which are now collected into this album which is lovingly dedicated to John’s memory and also to his widow Monica, who was a tireless support and who now works to promote his musical legacy. We are grateful for her contributions to this project.

    Leading instrumentalists include Linda Merrick (clarinet) who is Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music; Alistair Vennart (viola) whose career is blooming both as soloist and founder member of the Solem Quartet; John Turner, one of the leading recorder players of today and former member of many world-renowned early-music ensembles, and pianist Peter Lawson, another highly regarded performer who has played with most top British orchestras and a long and distinguished recording and teaching career.