Francis Pott: At First Light; Word
Joseph Spooner (cello), Christian Wilson (organ), Commotio, Matthew Berry
Awards:
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Gramophone Magazine, September 2020, Editor's Choice
Every now and then you hear a new work and feel that excitement, the knowledge that here is a piece that is going to become part of the landscape. Rooted in tradition but with a voice of its...
Francis Pott: At First Light; Word
Joseph Spooner (cello), Christian Wilson (organ), Commotio, Matthew Berry
Purchase product
Awards:
-
Gramophone Magazine, September 2020, Editor's Choice
Every now and then you hear a new work and feel that excitement, the knowledge that here is a piece that is going to become part of the landscape. Rooted in tradition but with a voice of its...
About
Francis Pott’s acclaimed musical voice is one of uncommon eloquence and seriousness of purpose, and his works have been performed and broadcast in over 40 countries. This recording presents world premiere recordings of two major pieces. At First Light is a memorial work which takes the form of a series of slow meditations surrounding an exuberant motet, with wordless commentary from a lamenting cello. Word, with its significant role for the organ and the inclusion of texts by the Welsh priest and poet R.S. Thomas, reveals Gospel contemplation in a postmodern world.
Contents and tracklist
- Joseph Spooner (cello), Tim Ambrose, Heather Thomas
- Commotio
- Matthew Berry
- Christian Wilson (organ), Aoife Dudley, Kate Smith, Hannah Wight, Tim Ambrose
- Commotio
- Matthew Berry
Spotlight on this release
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Francis Pott on 'Word'
8th Jul 2020
Composer Francis Pott talks about his new album of larger-scale choral works with Oxford choir Commotio, released on Naxos this Friday.
Awards and reviews
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Gramophone MagazineSeptember 2020Editor's Choice
September 2020
Every now and then you hear a new work and feel that excitement, the knowledge that here is a piece that is going to become part of the landscape. Rooted in tradition but with a voice of its own, immediately appealing but refusing to reveal everything at first listen, Francis Pott’s At First Light – recorded here for the first time by the Oxford-based chamber choir Commotio – is one such piece.
9th August 2020
At First Light (2018) — essentially a Requiem combining biblical, liturgical and secular poetic texts — is an extraordinarily powerful, unflinching addressing of grief’s complexities, Francis Pott’s texturally and harmonically rich and varied music seducing ear, mind and heart...Spooner plays the moving solo cello part magnificently, and Berry’s choir Commotio is excellent.
