Richard Blackford: La Sagrada Familia Symphony & Babel, A Cantata

Featuring

Richard Blackford
Rebecca Bottone
Alessandro Fisher
Stephen Gadd
David Hill
BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Ikon
Ikon Ensemble

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Recording & Production

The album features two distinct works: Richard Blackford's "La Sagrada Familia Symphony" recorded in Cardiff in 2022, and his cantata "Babel" recorded in Headstone in 2023.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Richard Blackford's "La Sagrada Familia Symphony" is inspired by Antoni Gaudí's monumental temple, with its three movements mirroring the Nativity, Passion, and Glory facades.

Performer Biography

David Hill, the conductor of "Babel," is widely respected as both a choral and orchestral conductor, holding positions such as Musical Director of The Bach Choir and Principal Conductor of Yale Schola Cantorum.

Composer Biography

Richard Blackford, the composer, studied with John Lambert and Norman del Mar at the Royal College of Music and later with Hans Werner Henze in Italy.

Composition History

The cantata "Babel" was commissioned by The Camden Choir for its 50th anniversary and premiered under Richard Blackford's direction on March 20th, 2022, in Cadogan Hall, London.

Cultural Impact

Richard Blackford's "Babel" invites audience participation in the hymn "Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven," following the inspiration of Benjamin Britten's works like "Noye's Fludde."

Compositional Technique

In "Babel," the three soloists often sing together in close harmony to represent the 'other-worldly voice of God,' with a modest instrumental force of piano duet, organ, and two percussionists.