Among the recordings released in the coming month is one to mark the 200th anniversary next year of the death of the British poet and artist William Blake.
This world premiere recording of Blake Visions is of music inspired by Blake and written, composed and produced by the English composer John Hawkins.
John Hawkins began a life-long passion for writing music inspired by William Blake when working with the poet and Blake scholar Kathleen Raine.
The first piece, ‘Urizen’ for viola and piano was written in 1983. Later came ‘This World’ (broadcast by the BBC Singers) and the string quartet ‘Fuzon’.
The new CD Blake Visions’, to be released in November 2026, includes instrumental and vocal music recorded by distinguished musicians including the London Piano Quartet, the Piatti Quartet and internationally famous soprano April Fredrick.
Christmas with The King’s Men offers an eclectic sweep of the festive season, from the hushed intimacy of a mother’s lullaby to the sparkle of jingle bells on Santa’s sleigh. With snow and cheer along the way, these selected arrangements offer the best of one of Cambridge’s oldest a cappella traditions, keeping the spirit of warmth alive at this special time.
The King’s Men is a close-harmony group comprising the current Choral Scholars and Lay Clerks of The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.
The group’s favourite tales are retold in the unique voice of close harmony, captured within the iconic King’s College Chapel. Released on 4 December (digital only).