SKU: HL.14018850

ISBN 9780711986008. 9.0x12.0x0.295 inches.

The Prelude, Hymn And Toccata 1987 is dedicated to, and was commissioned by the Nettle-Markham Piano Duo. It was the second work to have been written for them by the composer, the first being the Sonata For Piano Duet Op.92. This twenty minute work begins with Leighton's typical preludial double-dotted rhythms and contrapuntal textures; it develops into dark, passionate music and erupts into single and double cadenzas. The gentle Hymn is ushered in quietly and unfolds in long, rhapsodic sections, building up to more climactic cadenzas before dissolving gradually to an ethereal conclusion. The Toccata finale shows Leighton's masterly piano writing and contrasts biting, rhythmic motifs with sweeping, yearning elegiac phrases.

SKU: HL.14032578

UPC: 884088815967. 10.5x14.0x0.387 inches.

Work for Piano and Orchestra, here arranged for Two Pianos, composed in Paris in the early 1920's by the female member of 'Les Six'.

SKU: HL.14034688

Variations, Nocturne & Finale On An English Sea-Song for Piano and Orchestra Op.60. Orchestral part arranged for a second Piano by David Lyon.

After a brief introduction to the Orchestra, the melody of an eighteenth century whalermen's ballad with verse and refrain 'Blow Ye Winds', is given out, the verse by the Piano, the refrain divided between Orchestra and Piano. Then follow thirteen variations, the last three being pianistic etudes, accompanied Orchestrally. The nocturne evokes the nostalgia of a long voyage and the finale the excitement, dangers and glory of a triumphant chase. In these movements, as well as in the variations, the entiremusical material is derived from the basic theme. The work is designed as a virtuoso concert-piece for the pianist, with supporting Orchestral flashes of colour and points of contrast.