Leighton's Piano Concerto No. 3, 'Concerto estivo', was commissioned by the John Feeney Charitable Trust and dedicated to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Compositional Technique
Of Leighton's three symphonies, the first is unique for being purely instrumental, as voices feature prominently in his second and third symphonies.
Composer Biography
Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988) experienced a rapid rise to prominence in the latter half of the 1950s, becoming a vital part of post-war British music.
Notable Performances
Leighton's Symphony No. 1 won first prize at the 1965 City of Trieste international competition, leading to its premiere in Trieste in 1966.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Leighton considered the symphony a valid and personal form for many artists, often reflecting a summing up of previous instrumental works.
Composition History
Leighton made several attempts at writing a symphony, with his Symphony No. 1, Op. 42, finally completed in March 1964 after earlier withdrawn efforts.
Performer Biography
Howard Shelley, the pianist on this recording, has had a distinguished career since his 1971 London debut, often performing in the dual role of conductor and soloist.
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