Thomas Pitfield - His Friends & Contemporaries

Regular price $25.99
Label
Divine Art
Release Date
July 12, 2024
Format
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    Featuring
    • COMPOSER
      Christopher Cotton, Gordon Crosse, Anthony Gilbert, John Joubert, Nicholas Marshall, Ernst Hermann M
    • PERFORMER
      Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Heather Wallington, Jennifer Langridge, John Turner, Lesley-Jane
    Product Details
    • RELEASE DATE
      July 12, 2024
    • UPC
      809730124624
    • CATALOG NUMBER
      DDX21246
    • LABEL
      Divine Art
    • NUMBER OF DISCS
      1
    • GENRE
    Works
    1. I. Toccatina

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Performer: Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Heather Wallington, Jennifer Langridge

    2. II. Pastorale

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Performer: Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Heather Wallington, Jennifer Langridge

    3. III. Intermezzo

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Performer: Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Heather Wallington, Jennifer Langridge

    4. IV. Finale

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Performer: Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Heather Wallington, Jennifer Langridge

    5. Remember, Op. 184

      Composer: John Joubert

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    6. Fantasy Quartet

      Composer: Ernest John Moeran

      Performer: Richard Simpson, Benedict Holland, Heather Wallington, Jennifer Langridge

    7. Now, Voyager

      Composer: Ernst Hermann Meyer

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers

    8. No. 1. Quodlibet

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    9. No. 2. Meditation on Tom Bowling

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    10. No. 3. The Keel Reel

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    11. Parrottry

      Composer: Robin Walker

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    12. Spring

      Composer: Jeremy Pike

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner, Lauren Scott

    13. To a Child Dancing in the Wind

      Composer: Nicholas Marshall

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    14. A Breath for Life

      Composer: Anthony Gilbert

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    15. Spring

      Composer: John Turner

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    16. I. Bourrée

      Composer: Richard Pantchef

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    17. II. Siciliano

      Composer: Richard Pantchef

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    18. III. Air

      Composer: Richard Pantchef

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    19. IV. Minuet

      Composer: Richard Pantchef

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    20. V. Gigue

      Composer: Richard Pantchef

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner

    21. No. 1. Ah! Sunflower

      Composer: Stuart Scott

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    22. No. 2. The Lilly

      Composer: Stuart Scott

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    23. No. 3. Infant Joy

      Composer: Stuart Scott

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner

    24. I. November Dawn

      Composer: Geoffrey Poole

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner, Alex Jones

    25. II. Bonfire Night

      Composer: Geoffrey Poole

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner, Alex Jones

    26. III. Autumn Leaves

      Composer: Geoffrey Poole

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner, Alex Jones

    27. Carol Lullaby

      Composer: Thomas Pitfield

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Lauren Scott

    28. Lullaby

      Composer: Gordon Crosse

      Performer: Lesley-Jane Rogers, John Turner, Benedict Holland

    29. Overture for St. Paul's

      Composer: Christopher Cotton

      Ensemble: Victoria String Quartet

      Performer: John Turner, Richard Simpson


Thomas Pitfield: His Friends & Contemporaries pays homage to the multifaceted talent of Thomas Baron Pitfield (1903-1999). Pitfield was not just a composer; he embodied the essence of a Renaissance man, excelling in various fields including teaching, visual arts, poetry, writing, furniture making, and ornithology. Despite his immense talents, Pitfield remained modest and unassuming, dedicating himself to nurturing the gifts of his students at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he taught composition from 1947 onwards. This album sheds light on Pitfield's contributions to the classical music landscape, showcasing his compositions alongside those of his contemporaries including John Joubert, E. J. Moeran, Ernst Hermann Meyer, John McCabe, and many more. While Pitfield's name may not be as widely recognized as some of his peers from the "Manchester School," such as Richard Hall, his music exudes charm, wit, and inventiveness that captivate listeners. In an era marked by the emergence of modernist compositions, Pitfield chose to traverse the middle ground, creating music that resonates with it's timeless appeal. Throughout his tenure as a composition teacher, Pitfield played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of notable composers like John McCabe, David Ellis, and John Golland, the latter of whom also shared a close personal friendship with Pitfield. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by the achievements of his contemporaries, Pitfield's legacy lives on through a revival of interest in his music. The album offers a glimpse into Pitfield's musical world, featuring a selection of chamber and instrumental works that highlight his artistic vision and craftsmanship. Pitfield's compositions are filled with elegance, lyricism, and emotional depth. His music not only showcases his technical skill but also reflects his genuine love for the art form and his dedication to inspiring future generations of musicians. Moreover, the album serves as a tribute to Pitfield's enduring influence on his peers and students. His selfless encouragement and mentorship left an indelible mark on those he taught, fostering a sense of camaraderie among composers and musicians. Pitfield's generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence resonate throughout the album, underscoring his legacy as both an artist and an educator. This double album celebrates the life and work of a remarkable individual whose contributions to the world of classical music extend far beyond his compositions. Through this album, listeners will rediscover the brilliance of Thomas Baron Pitfield and the rich music woven by his friends and contemporaries.