Blackford: Pietà
Amy Dickson, Jennifer Johnston & Stephen Gadd
Gavin Carr
Though Blackford’s musical ideas may possess little originality or individuality, everything he writes is skilful and effective, often with an emotional charge, as in the opening section…Even...
Blackford: Pietà
Amy Dickson, Jennifer Johnston & Stephen Gadd
Gavin Carr
Purchase product
Though Blackford’s musical ideas may possess little originality or individuality, everything he writes is skilful and effective, often with an emotional charge, as in the opening section…Even...
About
Pietà is a setting of the Stabat Mater by Richard Blackford, with additional poems by the Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. It was first premiered on June 22nd 2019 at The Lighthouse, Poole with the London premier on October 19th at Cadogan Hall. Nimbus recorded this remarkable work after the premier. "Pietà made a deep impact on me. It’s good news that Nimbus has recorded it. Let’s hope other adventurous choirs take it up." **** The Times
Contents and tracklist
- Stephen Gadd, Amy Dickson, Jennifer Johnston
- Bouremouth Symphony Chorus, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Bouremouth Symphony Youth Chorus, Bournemouth Symphony Youth Chorus, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus
- Gavin Carr
Awards and reviews
April 2020
Though Blackford’s musical ideas may possess little originality or individuality, everything he writes is skilful and effective, often with an emotional charge, as in the opening section…Even more successful is the atmospheric, six-minute Canticle of Winter, inspired by a Robert Frost poem.
March 2020
the soloists and orchestra are excellent, and the recording is a valuable showcase for a work that deserves to enter the repertoire.
Jul/Aug 2020
The soloists of Pietà include Jennifer Johnston, whose warm and resplendent mezzo-soprano voice will please any vocal fancier. Baritone Stephen Gadd is also first-rate. Amy Dickson as the soprano saxophone soloists has a warm and pleasing tone, and makes up for the lack of the usual virtuosity that attracts saxophonists by her brilliance in expression. This disc is an all-around, hands-down winner, and should be promptly purchased by anyone interested in drop-dead gorgeous music.
