The Heavens and the Heart
Choral and Orchestral Music by James Francis Brown
Gemma Rosefield, Benjamin Nabarro, Rachel Roberts, Catriona Scott, Choir of Royal Holloway, Orchestra Nova, George Vass
This is likeable stuff. Brown’s largely accessible style is most inventive in the depictions of countryside scenes from his childhood in the Clarinet Concerto, the central work here.
The Heavens and the Heart
Choral and Orchestral Music by James Francis Brown
Gemma Rosefield, Benjamin Nabarro, Rachel Roberts, Catriona Scott, Choir of Royal Holloway, Orchestra Nova, George Vass
Purchase product
This is likeable stuff. Brown’s largely accessible style is most inventive in the depictions of countryside scenes from his childhood in the Clarinet Concerto, the central work here.
About
Orchestra Nova under respected conductor George Vass return to Resonus with a recording of major works for soloists, choir and orchestra by contemporary British composer James Francis Brown. In an album of world premiere recordings, this enterprising ensemble is joined by Benjamin Nabarro , Rachel Roberts and Gemma Rosefield for the exquisite Trio Concertante, while Catriona Scott and The Choir of Royal Holloway vividly bring to life Brown's Clarinet Concerto (Lost Lanes – Shallow Groves) and his inspired trio of psalm settings The Heavens and the Heart. James Francis Brown studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has made significant contributions to chamber music, and has arranged several well-known pieces for the Royal Opera House and the City of London Festival. He has held multiple fellowships and composer-in-residence titles, including at the International Musicians Seminar, Prussia Cove, and Ulverston Festival.
Contents and tracklist
- Gemma Rosefield, Benjamin Nabarro, Rachel Roberts
- Orchestra Nova
- George Vass
- Catriona Scott
- Orchestra Nova
- George Vass
- Choir of Royal Holloway
- Orchestra Nova
- George Vass
Awards and reviews
February 2019
This is likeable stuff. Brown’s largely accessible style is most inventive in the depictions of countryside scenes from his childhood in the Clarinet Concerto, the central work here.
January 2019
The music of James Francis Brown (b.1969) is one of Britain’s well-kept secrets…Orchestra Nova’s performances are thoroughly committed and wining, proving themselves real partners to the four excellent soloists and splendid Royal Holloway Choir, all playing with a relish matched on the podium by Vass. The sound is terrific, too. A must-buy disc!
Classical Ear November 2018
There’s much to enjoy here in music of crafted, refined eloquence and obvious kinship with Vaughan Williams at his most lyrical and elegant while retaining its own, articulate identity.
