Divine Art Records

Genre: Vocal/Choral

  • Opening the Door to the Music of Roy Heaton Smith

    Opening the Door to the Music of Roy Heaton Smith

    A feast of music by the late Roy Heaton Smith includes chamber works for clarinet, recorder and viola, solo piano music, string quartets and songs all bubbling with inspiration and freedom of expression and style, in excellent performances from top Manchester (UK) musicians.

    As a bonus we include a recording made from a radio broadcast in 1958. This was recorded from an AM broadcast off-air to an acetate disc which became damaged; Richard Scott has done wonders to make it not just playable but in decent sound balance too, and it remains the only recording of Smith’s fine Divertimento.

  • Cantica Sacra

    Cantica Sacra

    Sacred choral works for the 21st century but steeped in the tradition and style of centuries past. Composer LYDIA KAKABADSE is English born but with roots in Greece, Austria, Russia and Georgia, all of which inspire her music which is a fluid mix of the western and Orthodox choral styles.

    A perfect album for the choral music lover wanting a new sound but within traditional tonal (and modal) limits.

    Performed by former members of Clare College choir, who have gone on to their life-after-graduation, taking with them the Choir’s excellent and ever-growing reputation as one of the finest English choirs of our day. Joined for ‘Spectre’ by mezzo-soprano Grace Durham and instrumental ensemble.

    More from Lydia Kakabadse: Chamber music on ‘Concertato’ and choral and vocal music on ‘Ithaka’

  • Psallite

    Psallite

    A superb programme of choral works based on or inspired by Psalms, with items from the 16th century and many new works specially commissioned by SDG Music Foundation as part of their worldwide Psalms Project.

    Delightfully varied including awesome arrangements of African-American spirituals as well as a range of contemporary works by composers from several countries, this album displays the excellent qualities of Cor Cantiamo. It will appeal to anyone who loves good singing whatever their religious beliefs!

    Booklet includes all the texts.
    Cor Cantiamo also present the gorgeous choral works of James Whitbourn on DDA 25192

  • 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.

  • Lunaris – Music by Jonathan Östlund

    Lunaris – Music by Jonathan Östlund

    A super showcase album of piano and chamber music from talented Swedish composer Östlund, performed by a select group of leading young European performers. Evoking the magic of night in all its guises from the dark to the whimsical this always lyrical and accessible new music has an individual sound and is exceptionally attractive. Some works include wordless voices from the soprano.

  • In Beauty Walking – Orchestral Music by Carson Cooman

    In Beauty Walking – Orchestral Music by Carson Cooman

    As well as being a very busy and highly regarded organist, teacher and music consultant, Carson Cooman is one of America’s most prolific and gifted composers. His work retains the best of traditional forms in a modern and personal idiom; here, he has produced a body of lyrical works which are truly Romantic and pastoral but never soft or shallow. Exquisitely scored, these works tell of the beauty of the world we so often take for granted or pass by.

  • Remembering Alfred Deller

    Remembering Alfred Deller

    Alfred Deller was ‘discovered’ by Michael Tippett, and with the supprt of Tippett, Walter Bergmann and others, re-introduced the countertenor voice to the current music repertoire. His influence cannot be overstated. This CD is a tribute to Deller by musicians who have carried on his tradition in major contributions to music both in Britain and around the globe. Music from the late 17th century to the end of the 20th, of incredible beauty and charm.

  • 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.

  • Madrigali: Fire and Roses

    Madrigali: Fire and Roses

    An intensely beautiful programme, delectably performed. Paul Mealor’s choir gives a stunning performance of original 16th century madrigals and some modern counterparts, including the fabulous Madrigali of Morten Lauridsen. Of Mealor, we have the awesomely beautiful ‘Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal’ cycle, of which the first movement was personally chosen by Prince William and Kate Middleton (now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) as the musical centerpiece of the April royal wedding service (re-set to the words of ‘Ubi Caritas’).

    This is the original version, conducted by the composer, and thus 100% authentic.

    Paul Mealor’s work is also available as a download-only single, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal (DDS 29002). It was also featured in the soundtrack of the award-winning documentary “Shining Night: A Portrait of Composer Morten Lauridsen” (DVD 003).

  • Idylls and Elegies – Music by John Jeffreys

    Idylls and Elegies – Music by John Jeffreys

    The music of John Jeffreys is an absolute delight – overtly Romantic and non-modernist, very much in the tradition of Delius, Warlock and Vaughan Williams. Here a number of delicious orchestral works of stunning beauty are accompanied by fine dramatic vocal works and a Suite of Variations for piano. This CD is essential for anyone interested in the English pastoral tradition – or just in exquisite music.

    Jeffreys songs also available: The Far Country (DDA 25049) and Northumberland and Beyond (DDV 24128)