COMPOSERS: Le Fleming
LABELS: Meridian
WORKS: Cantate domino; Nunc dimittis; Magnificat; Nocturnes; Holy Innocents; Save Me O God
PERFORMER: Oxford Pro Musica Singers, St Cecilia Players/Michael Smedley
CATALOGUE NO: CDE 84360
Antony le Fleming (b1941) composes for choral forces with assurance and considerable subtlety. This collection of pieces varies in outlook, using familiar religious texts as well as those of distinguished poets and the composer-lyricist Cole Porter. The musical style is fairly uniform, however, and le Fleming is nothing if not easy on the ear, largely because his development technique often relies on predictable imitations and harmonies. He studied with Herbert Howells, and it shows, not just in the assured handling of the vocal balances, but in the eloquence of the string writing, particularly in Cantate domino. Climactic passages, however, too often resort to a banal ‘glee club’ jollity. The performances are skilful, while the recording is clear but somewhat unatmospheric. Terry Barfoot
Le Fleming
Antony le Fleming (b1941) composes for choral forces with assurance and considerable subtlety. This collection of pieces varies in outlook, using familiar religious texts as well as those of distinguished poets and the composer-lyricist Cole Porter. The musical style is fairly uniform, however, and le Fleming is nothing if not easy on the ear, largely because his development technique often relies on predictable imitations and harmonies.
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm