London Orchestra da Camera, David Temple, Hertfordshire Chorus, Osama Kiwan
The Armed Man, composed by Sir Karl Jenkins, is one of the most popular classical pieces in the world. Until now there has been only one recording, made over 20 years ago of the full score version which requires a large orchestra. In order to make the work more affordable to choirs and others, there is an ensemble version for fewer players. This new recording is the first to have been made of the alternative, reduced version scored for a smaller orchestra. The excellent arrangement does not lessen the impact of the work; still a big sound with driving rhythms, thundering climaxes, fearful moments and tender, memorable melodies. Hertfordshire Chorus, directed by David Temple MBE, bring huge energy, engagement and emotion to their performance. Kathryn Rudge is the soloist, Jamal Aliyev the cellist and Osama Kiwan the Muezzin, all of whom have performed the work many times with the composer.
David Temple has worked with Sir Karl on many live performances and brings his own interpretation to this moving and thought-provoking work.
“I am delighted that David Temple, a brilliant choral conductor and his excellent Hertfordshire Chorus have recorded this version for SIGNUM Records. I am sure this will be a welcome addition alongside my version for full orchestra.” – Sir Karl Jenkins
February 2024
This is the first recording of the ‘Ensemble Version’ of Jenkins’s 2000 ‘Mass for Peace’, essentially an arrangement by him for reduced orchestral forces. There’s no lack of heft here, though, and what is perhaps lost in scale here and there is made up for by the Hertfordshire Chorus’s vocal weight and attack. Occasionally spinetingling.
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