Howard Skempton is recognized as one of the UK’s most renowned and respected living composers. Although particularly influenced by Benjamin Britten (with whom he worked), John Cage, and Cornelius Cardew, Skempton’s music inhabits its own unique sound world. His major new work, 50 Preludes and Fugues for Organ (written 2022-23), is given its world premiere recording by Matthew Owens on two of the finest organs in the UK, St George’s Church, Hanover Square, London, and Merton College, Oxford. Inspired by J.S. Bach’s 48 Preludes and Fugues, Skempton takes us on a contemporary journey in his own inimitable style and pays homage to Bach through two extra pairs of Preludes and Fugues. Additional works on this album include the composer’s earliest organ work, Wedding March (1971), and his latest, Recessional 2, written especially for this recording.
