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Metier

The Devil's Dream - Chamber Music by Sean Doherty

$18.99

Details

Composer
Sean Doherty
Artist
Sonoro Quartet, Sylvia O'Brien, Mark Redmond, Lauren O'Neill, Molly Toibin
Format
CD
Label
Metier
Released
Mar 14, 2025
Catalog #
MEX 77135
UPC
809730713521

About

Metier, the British new-music label known for it's dedication to contemporary composers, deepens it's ties with Ireland's vibrant musical landscape with a striking new release in early 2025. This album presents premiere recordings of Sean Doherty's captivating works for string quartet, enriched by voice and traditional Irish instruments. Hailed as "unfailingly gripping" (Irish Times) and "wonderfully imaginative, colourful" (Irish Examiner), Doherty's chamber music masterfully fuses Irish traditional and classical traditions, creating vivid and dramatic narratives. His compositions traverse poignant themes of death, mourning, and defining moments in Irish history, including the Great Famine, the Easter Rising, and the Troubles. This recording captures the essence of his music, which has captivated live audiences and now receives it's first studio treatment. The performers on this album represent the pinnacle of Irish traditional and classical music. The Sonoro Quartet, celebrated as European Concert Hall Organisation's 'Rising Stars' for the 2023-24 season, brings their virtuosic artistry to these works. They are joined by soprano Sylvia O'Brien, a leading interpreter of contemporary Irish music, and Mark Redmond, an internationally acclaimed uilleann piper. Additional contributions from traditional musicians Lauren O'Neill, Molly Tobin, Robert Harvey, and Doherty himself add further authenticity and depth to this exceptional recording. Produced by Richard Duckworth, a music technology lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, the album was recorded in Dublin in 2023, ensuring a pristine and evocative soundscape. Sean Doherty's talent has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Feis Ceoil choral composition prizes, the West Cork Chamber Music Festival Bursary, and awards from Choir & Organ Magazine. His music has been performed widely by prestigious orchestras, ensembles, and soloists, and his contributions to Metier's Ghost Songs album (MSV 28599) were praised as "little miracles" by Fanfare. This album stands as a vivid portrait of one of Ireland's most compelling contemporary voices, offering listeners an arresting journey through the intersection of history, tradition, and modernity.

Tracklist 8 tracks

  1. 1 The Devil's Dream 13:37
    Track
    1
    Title
    The Devil's Dream
    Duration
    13:37
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  2. 2 I. The Tidings 05:45
    Track
    2
    Title
    I. The Tidings
    Duration
    05:45
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Sylvia O'Brien
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  3. 3 II. Sojourn in the Whale 09:36
    Track
    3
    Title
    II. Sojourn in the Whale
    Duration
    09:36
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Sylvia O'Brien, James Bingham
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  4. 4 III. Lament for the Poets 07:31
    Track
    4
    Title
    III. Lament for the Poets
    Duration
    07:31
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Sylvia O'Brien
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  5. 5 No Go 10:38
    Track
    5
    Title
    No Go
    Duration
    10:38
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Mark Redmond
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  6. 6 I. Fr. McCarthy's Lament 03:46
    Track
    6
    Title
    I. Fr. McCarthy's Lament
    Duration
    03:46
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Robert Harvey, Mark Redmond, Molly Tobin, Lauren O'Neil
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  7. 7 II. Prof. Boole's Farewell 02:48
    Track
    7
    Title
    II. Prof. Boole's Farewell
    Duration
    02:48
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Robert Harvey, Mark Redmond, Molly Tobin, Lauren O'Neil
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet
  8. 8 Paddy's Rambles through the Gravel Walks 03:25
    Track
    8
    Title
    Paddy's Rambles through the Gravel Walks
    Duration
    03:25
    Composer
    Sean Doherty
    Performer
    Robert Harvey, Mark Redmond, Sean Doherty, Molly Tobin, Lauren O'Neil
    Ensemble
    Sonoro Quartet