Gramophone Editor's Choice for Stephen Farr
19 Sep 2014
Recorded on the epic Rieger organ of St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, and featuring guest artist John Butt, Stephen Farr's first volume of an important Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988) organ cycle, is garnering much critical acclaim including a Gramophone Editor's Choice. In a glowing review Marc Rochester states: 'Indeed, it is the sheer musical quality of Farr’s playing and his obvious sensitivity towards the rhythmic and textural detail of Leighton’s music which makes this a hugely impressive release. I eagerly await the next volume.'
Also awarded five stars by Michael Quinn in the latest issue of Choir and Organ, Farr is named '[...] a committed advocate' of Leighton's music' with '[...] unabashedly muscular' performances. Further acclaim has come from a five star review from the Classical Ear app: 'With unimpeachable performances and sound, do explore this rewarding, and surely award-winning, release.'
The second volume, featuring guest artist tenor Nicky Spence and recorded in Birmingham's Symphony Hall, will be release in the spring of 2015.
