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Saariaho: Graal Théâtre, Circle Map, Neiges / Mao-Takacs, Oslo Philharmonic
BIS

Saariaho: Graal Théâtre, Circle Map, Neiges / Mao-Takacs, Oslo Philharmonic

$21.99

Details

Composer
SAARIAHO, KAIJA
Artist
Herresthal, Mao-Takacs
Format
SACD
Label
BIS
Released
Sep 06, 2019
Catalog #
BIS-2402
UPC
7318599924021

About

A 2020 GRAMMY Nominee for Best Classical Compendium!

Several of Kaija Saariaho’s works are named after natural phenomena that serve as a starting point to her compositional process. Composed in 1998, Neiges was inspired by various qualities of snow and explores instrumental languages and colors similar to those found in her earlier works. On the present album the piece is heard in its never-before recorded version for twelve cellos, performed by the cellists of the Oslo Philharmonic. Another source of inspiration has been medieval literature, which formed a point of departure for Graal Théâtre, the first concerto Saariaho wrote, as well as for the recent Vers toi qui es si loin (2018). Recorded for the first time here, the piece is a transcription, made for the violinist Peter Herresthal, of an aria from the opera L’Amour de loin. These two works for violin and orchestra bookend this amply filled disc, and frame Circle Map, a work in six movements for large orchestra.

Permeating the work are six short poems by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, providing inspiration through their essence and vivid imagery, but also part of the musical material by way of a recording of them recited in Persian. This recording forms the raw material for the electronics included in the work, but also for much of the writing for the orchestra, for instance in terms of pitches and intonations. All four works are conducted by Clément Mao Takacs, who has collaborated extensively with Kaija Saariaho and conducted her music across Europe and in the U.S.A.

REVIEW:

Performances could scarcely be bettered. Peter Herresthal finds greater expressive variety in Graal Théâtre than Gidon Kremer (the only other account with full orchestra), with Clément Mao-Takacs making more of those emotional contrasts in Circle Map than Susanna Mälkki. The Oslo Philharmonic evince all the clarity and fastidiousness this music requires, heard to advantage in an opulent yet well-defined acoustic. Disc and booklet are presented in BIS’s current Ekopak format, which looks as stylish as the music contained within is compelling.

– Gramophone

Tracklist 14 tracks

  1. 1 Vers toi qui es si loin 06:40
    Track
    1
    Title
    Vers toi qui es si loin
    Duration
    06:40
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Peter Herresthal
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  2. 2 I. Morning Wind 04:35
    Track
    2
    Title
    I. Morning Wind
    Duration
    04:35
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Arshia Cont
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  3. 3 II. Walls Closing 04:13
    Track
    3
    Title
    II. Walls Closing
    Duration
    04:13
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Arshia Cont
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  4. 4 III. Circles 05:39
    Track
    4
    Title
    III. Circles
    Duration
    05:39
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Arshia Cont
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  5. 5 IV. Days are Sieves 04:41
    Track
    5
    Title
    IV. Days are Sieves
    Duration
    04:41
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Arshia Cont
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  6. 6 V. Dialogue 06:11
    Track
    6
    Title
    V. Dialogue
    Duration
    06:11
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Arshia Cont
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  7. 7 VI. Day and Night, Music 04:49
    Track
    7
    Title
    VI. Day and Night, Music
    Duration
    04:49
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Arshia Cont
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  8. 8 I. Nuages de neige 05:35
    Track
    8
    Title
    I. Nuages de neige
    Duration
    05:35
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Ensemble
    cello section Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  9. 9 II. Étoile de neige 1 01:32
    Track
    9
    Title
    II. Étoile de neige 1
    Duration
    01:32
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Ensemble
    cello section Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  10. 10 III. Étoile de neige 2 02:43
    Track
    10
    Title
    III. Étoile de neige 2
    Duration
    02:43
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Ensemble
    cello section Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  11. 11 IV. Aguilles de glace 04:46
    Track
    11
    Title
    IV. Aguilles de glace
    Duration
    04:46
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Ensemble
    cello section Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  12. 12 V. Fleurs de neige 03:50
    Track
    12
    Title
    V. Fleurs de neige
    Duration
    03:50
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Ensemble
    cello section Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  13. 13 I. — 18:56
    Track
    13
    Title
    I. —
    Duration
    18:56
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Peter Herresthal
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs
  14. 14 II. — 11:55
    Track
    14
    Title
    II. —
    Duration
    11:55
    Composer
    Kaija Saariaho
    Performer
    Peter Herresthal
    Ensemble
    Oslo-Filharmonien
    Conductor
    Clément Mao-Takacs