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Finnissy: Alternative Readings / Havlat, Betts-Dean, Marsyas Trio
Metier

Finnissy: Alternative Readings / Havlat, Betts-Dean, Marsyas Trio

Modern Virtuosic Dark Dramatic Contemplative
$20.99 Only 2 left

Details

Composer
Michael Finnissy
Artist
Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
Format
CD
Label
Metier
Released
Mar 15, 2024
Catalog #
MEX77102
UPC
809730710223

About

Introducing "Michael Finnissy - Alternative Readings," a recording that brings together the visionary compositions of Michael Finnissy, one of the foremost composers of our time, and the exceptional artistry of the Marsyas Trio, mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean, and pianist Joseph Havlat. Finnissy's distinguished career, marked by British Composer Awards, prestigious teaching positions, and a Koussevitzky Foundation commission, is a testament to his unparalleled ability to weave together diverse musical idioms, embracing inspiration from literature, poetry, visual art, and global folk traditions.

Finnissy's music transcends conventional boundaries, challenging societal norms and acting as a catalyst for change. His compositions reflect a deep connection to humanity, with the voice playing a central role in conveying powerful narratives. This new release features the Marsyas Trio, renowned for their mission to revive classical repertoire and commission new works, alongside the captivating vocals of Lotte Betts-Dean and the masterful piano artistry of Joseph Havlat.

The album's centerpiece, "Wisdom," commissioned during the 2020 lockdown, delves into the collective human experience of isolation and connectivity. Lotte Betts-Dean's mesmerizing voice, accompanied by the Marsyas Trio, brings Finnissy's reflections on this unprecedented period to life. The album's symmetry unfolds around "Alternative Readings," a chamber work for flute, cello, and piano, presented in two unedited, distinct versions recorded on the same day, exploring the nuanced interplay of physical communication in music.

As the Trio reflected on their collaboration with Michael Finnissy, they unveiled the profound question that permeate his work: How can we interpret music and understand the inner mind of a composer? Finnissy's compositions encourage individuality and freedom, inviting performers and listeners alike on a journey through diverse cultural traditions, spanning centuries.

The program notes provide valuable insights into each composition, showcasing Finnissy's versatile style, from the intimate solo vocal pieces to the dynamic chamber works. This release is a testament to Finnissy's enduring legacy, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration that transcends time and resonates with the shared experiences of humanity.

Tracklist 16 tracks

  1. 1 Alternative Readings 07:03
    Track
    1
    Title
    Alternative Readings
    Duration
    07:03
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  2. 2 I. — 01:12
    Track
    2
    Title
    I. —
    Duration
    01:12
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
  3. 3 II. — 01:03
    Track
    3
    Title
    II. —
    Duration
    01:03
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
  4. 4 III. — 01:21
    Track
    4
    Title
    III. —
    Duration
    01:21
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
  5. 5 Botany Bay 04:24
    Track
    5
    Title
    Botany Bay
    Duration
    04:24
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  6. 6 Blessed be I 03:00
    Track
    6
    Title
    Blessed be I
    Duration
    03:00
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  7. 7 Blessed be III 04:10
    Track
    7
    Title
    Blessed be III
    Duration
    04:10
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  8. 8 Wisdom 21:50
    Track
    8
    Title
    Wisdom
    Duration
    21:50
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  9. 9 I. — 03:40
    Track
    9
    Title
    I. —
    Duration
    03:40
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  10. 10 II. — 03:25
    Track
    10
    Title
    II. —
    Duration
    03:25
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  11. 11 I. – 02:27
    Track
    11
    Title
    I. –
    Duration
    02:27
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  12. 12 II. – 03:37
    Track
    12
    Title
    II. –
    Duration
    03:37
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio
  13. 13 I. – 03:51
    Track
    13
    Title
    I. –
    Duration
    03:51
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
  14. 14 II. – 05:56
    Track
    14
    Title
    II. –
    Duration
    05:56
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
  15. 15 III. – 02:38
    Track
    15
    Title
    III. –
    Duration
    02:38
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Performer
    Lotte Betts-Dean, Joseph Havlat
  16. 16 Alternative Readings 07:08
    Track
    16
    Title
    Alternative Readings
    Duration
    07:08
    Composer
    Michael Finnissy
    Ensemble
    Marsyas Trio