Karl Jenkins Karl Jenkins - Piano CD

Sir Karl Jenkins, the most performed living composer, is celebrating his 75th birthday with a brand-new album, tour and a host of reissues from his immensely popular catalogue – all now available on Decca Records. 

The new album is entitled 'Piano' and sees Sir Karl at the keyboard for the first time, performing original piano versions of his best-loved works as well as two new compositions. 
 
Sir Karl Jenkins's prolific career spans the worlds of classical, jazz, TV and film music. His new album goes back to where it all started – composing beautiful melodies at the piano. Sir Karl's new arrangements are drawn from across his choral and symphonic oeuvre, with piano versions of some of his most famous pieces including Adiemus, Palladio, 'Pie Jesu' from Requiem and 'Benedictus' from The Armed Man. There are also two completely new compositions: the jazz-influenced Quirky Blue and White Water – a flowing piano piece in which Sir Karl duets with his wife – Lady Jenkins, Carol Barratt. The whole album was produced by their son Jody Jenkins, making it a true family affair.

Sir Karl Jenkins says, "When I first wrote these pieces, I was thinking about them in an orchestral style, so this album has given me the opportunity to go back to the origins and recreate them on piano in an intimate and personal way. It has been quite nostalgic and also very enjoyable to revisit my old scores and transform them into something new."

Over 20 years ago, Sir Karl changed the way classical music was perceived as Adiemus – Songs of Sanctuary broke the chart music rule books. It caused a huge stir as the album was not considered eligible for the classical charts, despite its huge popularity among classical fans – selling a million copies worldwide in its first year. The album went on to achieve 17 Gold and 2 Platinum discs. 

Sir Karl Jenkins has been decorated with a considerable range of awards for his services to music, including an OBE, CBE, and a knighthood. There are over 250 performances per year of his work in more than 20 countries, and he has consistently been the highest placed living composer in Classic FM's Hall of Fame.