Robert Saxton's Hortus Musicae Book 1 was commissioned by Ian Richie for the 2013 City of London Festival with funds provided by the John S. Cohen Foundation. The first performance was given by Clare Hammond on June 24th 2013 at the church of St Mary Le Bow. The title less 'literal' in Latin than in the vernacular refers to the idea of an allegorical/metaphysical garden (reference to a 'real' or existing garden might be implied by Hortus Musicus) with various facets. The titles of the individual pieces/movements with their respective garden image are as follows: 1) Hortus Somniorum: afleeting vision of a 'magical' garden 2) Hortus Temporis: a reflection of/on the floral clock described by Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) in his [metaphysical] poem The Garden: How well the skilful gardener drewOf flowers and herbs this dial newWhere from above the milder sunDoes through a fragrant zodiac run;And as it works the industrious beeComputes its time as well as we.How could such sweet and wholesome hoursBe reckoned but with herbs and flowers! 3) Hortus Cantus: A garden in which nature 'sings' (praises) in the manner of a 'chorale prelude' and ending with the cantus firmus transformed into bells. 4) Hortus Infinitatis: A meditative/formal garden representing Time suspended in the form of a palindromic prolation canon combined with a harmonic ground (chaconne). 5) Saltatio Hortensis: A (summer) garden of dancing celebratory nature. Its essence (and that of the entire cycle both metaphorically and structurally/formally) is summed up in words spoken by Miranda in WH Auden's 1944 Tempest [Shakespeare]-inspired poem The Sea And The Mirror;So to remember our changing garden weAre linked as children in a circle dancing. Duration: 15

Music has always been a vital magical ingredient to any wedding ceremony, and this celebratory anthology features all those memorable melodies arranged for solo Piano in one convenient volume. From Wagner's Bridal March and Handel's Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba to Bach's Air On The G String and Pachelbel's Canon In D , these classical favourites have become synonymous with the grace and sparkle of that special day. This album is the perfect choice, not only for the working pianist, but for anyone wishing to capture that unique atmosphere of love and harmony at the Piano. / Piano

Par SCHUBERT FRANZ. Prepared from the composer’s autograph manuscript, Brian Newbould’s authoritative new performing edition of Schubert’s celebratory 'Magnificat' brings this little-known masterpiece to light. A short, perfectly crafted setting, written by the young composer in 1815, it provides the ideal concert opener or partner to other more extended concert works. A vocal score is also available (0-571-52010-3)/ Recueil / Piano, Chant et Guitare

The arrangements in this collection were written to contribute meaningful new music to the church service. The spirit of original music is retained while incorporating jazz harmonies and written-out 'improvised' passages. These pieces range from the reflective to the celebratory, and it is hoped that you will enjoy playing them for your own pleasure and to share with others. / Piano