Former Organ Scholar releases new album

rs2656_kings_college_choir_organistsl_008-lpr
Richard Gowers, former Organ Scholar

Former Organ Scholar Richard Gowers has recorded Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur for the King’s College record label, with the album released today, 21 September. Richard, who was at King’s from 2014-17, is the first Organ Scholar to release a solo album on the College’s own label. Written in 1935, La Nativité du Seigneur is one of Messiaen’s most popular organ works, and a piece that helped to establish the then 27 year-old as an important figure in contemporary music. Premiered in February 1936 at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité in Paris, where Messiaen was organist for more than sixty years, the debut performance was shared between three of his close friends; with Daniel-Lesur, Jean Langlais and Jean-Jacques Grunenwald each tackling three movements. In his booklet notes, Richard explores why he chose to make the first recording in King’s College Chapel of this hugely significant work. Also with the CD is included a specially-commissioned essay by Messiaen scholar Jeremy Thurlow (Robinson College, Cambridge). The new album is available today from www.kingscollegerecordings.com in CD and download format, as well as on streaming services.

news
All the recent news from King's College, from the latest cutting-edge research to announcements from the Chapel and Choir.

Similar Entries

Prestigious King's alumnus Thomas Trotter has recorded Duruflé's complete organ works for the King's College record label.

cover_kgs0052_1500px

Ten King's alumni feature on a new album of English song, released on the King's College record label.

cover_kgs0033_1500px_v20180816_1

A new album celebrating the 100th anniversary of A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols is at #1 in the classical charts.

cover_kgs0032_1500px

The King's College record label has release a new double album of music by Herbert Howells, featuring the Cello Concerto and An English Mass.

rs4810_155a5972-scr

Organ Scholar Paul Greally has swept the board at the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists exams.

cover_kgs0060_3000px_v20211008

The Choir's new Christmas album is the first under new Director of Music, Daniel Hyde.