Thomas Hewitt Jones: Under Milk Wood, Piano Suite, Fantasy, String Music

Absolutely beautiful and memorable music

     

I bought this album because I am a fan of the hymn texts of Timothy Dudley-Smith, and this setting of 'Child of the Stable' is most beautiful. I really enjoyed listening to the ballet and string music on the rest of the album, I found it most meditative and sad but also consoling, particularly since a close member of my family passed away over the Christmas period, and I found listening to this genuinely moving music (try the viola romance - it is my favourite) helped me in the grieving process.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Hewitt Jones at a concert at the South Bank centre a few years ago, and he is a most talented composer & musician. Also try his cello playing on 'Fall of the Leaf' by Imogen Holst, on the Court Lane Music record company's other CD release of the music of Imogen Holst.

Lastly, special mention should be made of the recorded piano sound in 'Four Piano Miniatures', and not least the superb, sensitive playing of pianist Christine Stevenson.

This album comes highly recommended: lush, approachable yet heartfelt music which is extremely moving, and a rich seasonal carol which knocks the socks off cheaper alternatives. Ace!