Divine Art Records

Period: Contemporary

  • Artyomov: On the Threshold of a Bright World

    Artyomov: On the Threshold of a Bright World

    The foremost composer living in Russia today, Artyomov is producing works in the grand symphonic and post-Romantic traditions, unquestionably masterpieces of the modern age. The ‘Threshold’ symphony, part of his tetralogy ‘Symphony of the Way’ is typically underpinned by his deep spirituality but is universal and cosmic in scope. ‘Ave Atque Vale’ is another major work – for percussion and orchestra, while ‘Ave, Crux Alba’ is a far more traditional (and very beautiful) choral piece.

    A companion CD contains the symphony ‘Gentle Emanation’ and ‘Tristia II’ for piano and orchestra (DDA 25144). The Artyomov series continues with a further nine albums.

  • Artyomov: Gentle Emanation Symphony, etc

    Artyomov: Gentle Emanation Symphony, etc

    The foremost composer living in Russia today, Artyomov is producing works in the grand symphonic and post-Romantic traditions, unquestionably masterpieces of the modern age. The ‘Gentle Emanation’ symphony, part of his tetralogy ‘Symphony of the Way’ is typically underpinned by his deep spirituality but is universal and cosmic in scope. Tristia II is a fantasy for piano and orchestra which incorporates prayers and readings from the writings of Nicolai Gogol.

    A companion CD contains the symphony ‘On the Threshold of a Bright World’ and other works (DDA 25143). The Artyomov series now consists of 11 albums in all.

  • From the Old World to the New World

    From the Old World to the New World

    From the pen of celebrated Theater composer Philip Henderson comes a concept album based on the true story of his father’s journey in the 1930s from rural Kent to New York. Expressed in music that follows the story, from pastoral string ensemble, to the excitement and bustle of an Atlantic cargo vessel, to the buzz of Broadway where our hero, represented by a cor anglais, plays against the now-synthezised strings of the city.

  • 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.

  • Preludio – Organ music by Carson Cooman

    Preludio – Organ music by Carson Cooman

    Following two celebrated CDs of Carson Cooman‘s organ music (“benchmark recording” – Classical Music Sentinel), Erik Simmons now takes us to a special area of the composer’s work – music inspired by renaissance and early baroque music. This double album will be a delight to early-music lovers as well as followers of the modern organ repertoire.

    Organ of the Basilica Mariä-Himmelfahrt

  • 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’

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Concertato: Chamber Music by Lydia Kakabadse

    Concertato: Chamber Music by Lydia Kakabadse

    British composer Lydia Kakabadse (with roots in Greece, Austria, Russia and Georgia) reflects her cultural heritage in music that has western and mid-Asian elements – while this is strongest in her choral music, it is heard to good effect in her chamber works, which are often written in modal intonation; her first chamber CD was issued by Naxos to good reviews and this set concentrates on the ‘alternative’ string quartet line-up with double bass, with one piece for cello and bass duo and one for mezzo-soprano and quartet. The title ‘Concertato’ derives from the usage in baroque music meaning a rivalry or contrast between the instruments; the composer uses this to emphasis lines and dialogues between instruments, especially so in the cello/bass duo which gives the CD its name.

    Sound collective is a group of distinguished musicians which works closely with composers, writers and educators in order to build new ways of appreciating and promoting chamber music.In 2019 it was renamed The Rossetti Ensemble.

    Performers: Jess Dandy (mezzo-soprano); Sara Trickey (violin); Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola); Tim Lowe (cello); Ben Griffiths (double bass)

    Also by Lydia Kakabadse – choral and vocal music:
    Cantica Sacra
    Ithaka

  • 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.

  • John R. Williamson – Music for Piano, Volumes 1-3

    John R. Williamson – Music for Piano, Volumes 1-3

    The music of John R. Williamson, a composer from Manchester, England, is deserving of greater recognition. Murray McLachlan is a champion of Williamson’s music and presents three albums in which his stylistic and virtuosic playing enhances further the individuality of these works.

    Includes the following:

    Digital downloads include all three booklet in PDF format.

  • Masque: Music for Organ by Carson Cooman

    Masque: Music for Organ by Carson Cooman

    Erik Simmons has recorded a second programme of fine organ music by Carson Cooman, Composer in Residence at Harvard University’s Memorial Church and one of America’s most prolific composers, writing in a variety of approachable musical styles, innovative but within traditional tonal boundaries. The previous album ‘Litany’ received rave reviews, one critic called it a ‘benchmark recording”, and this new CD will appeal very much to organ enthusiasts.

    The album is recorded on the sounds of the wonderful Marcussen organ of the Laurenskerk, in Rotterdam using the Hauptwerk system which gives full rein to the wide tonal range of the instrument, while avoiding the excessive reverberation which can spoil many organ recordings. The sound here is crisp and clear allowing full enjoyment of the music and the instrument.