The Film Music of Arthur Benjamin & Leighton Lucas

Featuring

Rumon Gamba
Abigail Sara
Rob Court
Sarah-Jayne Porsmoguer
Catherine Roe-Williams
BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Côr Caerdydd
Arthur Benjamin
Leighton Lucas

Did you know?

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Performer Biography

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, featured on this recording, also recorded the soundtracks for the BBC Wales television series Doctor Who and Torchwood.

Composition History

Many of Leighton Lucas's film scores are believed to have been discarded after his widow's death, with the performing editions on this album often reconstructed from piano scores or soundtracks.

Composer Biography

Leighton Lucas, the other composer on this album, was largely self-taught musically and began his career as a dancer, performing with Diaghilev's Ballets russes from 1918 to 1921.

Recording & Production

This album features several premiere recordings, including the Suite from 'The Conquest of Everest' and 'This Is York', as well as a premiere recording in this version of the March-Prelude from 'Target for Tonight'.

Cultural Impact

Arthur Benjamin's most famous piece is "Jamaican Rumba," based on a tune he heard in the West Indies, and it was originally scored for two pianos.

Cultural Impact

Leighton Lucas's music has appeared in modern popular culture, with one track in the 2001 film Ocean's Eleven and another in the children's TV series Spongebob Squarepants.

Composer Biography

Arthur Benjamin, one of the composers featured on this album, was born in Sydney, Australia, and was recognized as a child prodigy, giving piano recitals from age six.