Caffrey: Environments
Details
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Artist
- Craig Ogden, Daniel Browell
- Format
- CD
- Label
- Divine Art
- Released
- May 17, 2024
- Catalog #
- DDX21131
- UPC
- 809730113123
About
Introducing "Environments," from acclaimed composer Greg Caffrey, a poignant journey through landscapes both physical and emotional. Recorded in the heart of Belfast at the historic Townsend Street Church, this album captures the essence of a city marked by its tumultuous history and resilient spirit. Caffrey's compositions, brought to life by the renowned Ulster Orchestra, reflect his own personal journey from the streets of West Belfast to international acclaim.
The album opens with "Environments I & II," two pieces born from Caffrey's residencies in Paris, showcasing his mastery of orchestral composition. From the grandeur of a full symphony orchestra to the intimacy of chamber music, these works explore a range of rich sonic landscapes. Each note is imbued with the composer's profound connection to his surroundings, offering a window into his creative process.
"A Terrible Beauty," the centerpiece of the album, unfolds over three movements inspired by the poetry of WB Yeats. Caffrey's response to the poetry is both evocative and introspective, weaving together themes of beauty, pain, and resilience. With each movement, the music transports listeners on a visceral journey through the depths of human experience, culminating in a profound exploration of the human spirit.
Closing the album is "Aingeal," a deeply personal work written in tribute to a loved one. Set against a backdrop of strings and percussion, the music captures the raw emotions of grief and loss, offering solace and catharsis in its haunting melodies. Through "Environments," Greg Caffrey invites listeners to reflect on their own environments, both internal and external, and discover the beauty in life's most poignant moments.
Conducted by Sinead Hayes with soloists Craig Ogden (guitar) and Daniel Browell (piano).
Note:
"Environments II" is a prizewinning work in the International Conductors Union Composition Contest, Ukraine 2021.
"A Terrible Beauty" is a recommended work in the 4th Uuno Klami Composition Prize.
Tracklist 6 tracks
-
1 Aingeal II 09:21
- Track
- 1
- Title
- Aingeal II
- Duration
- 09:21
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Ensemble
- Ulster Orchestra
- Conductor
- Sinead Hayes
-
2 Environments II 12:22
- Track
- 2
- Title
- Environments II
- Duration
- 12:22
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Performer
- Craig Ogden
- Ensemble
- Ulster Orchestra
- Conductor
- Sinead Hayes
-
3 I. These are the clouds about the fallen sun 07:40
- Track
- 3
- Title
- I. These are the clouds about the fallen sun
- Duration
- 07:40
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Ensemble
- Ulster Orchestra
- Conductor
- Sinead Hayes
-
4 II. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold 04:43
- Track
- 4
- Title
- II. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold
- Duration
- 04:43
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Ensemble
- Ulster Orchestra
- Conductor
- Sinead Hayes
-
5 III. …for peace comes dropping slow 07:50
- Track
- 5
- Title
- III. …for peace comes dropping slow
- Duration
- 07:50
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Ensemble
- Ulster Orchestra
- Conductor
- Sinead Hayes
-
6 Environments I 16:50
- Track
- 6
- Title
- Environments I
- Duration
- 16:50
- Composer
- Greg Caffrey
- Performer
- Daniel Browell
- Ensemble
- Ulster Orchestra
- Conductor
- Sinead Hayes