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GLANERT: Requiem for Hieronymus Bosch PRESTON: Alleuyas. BACH: Wir glauben all' an einem
Gott. Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan Kam. Kirie, Got†, heiliger
Geist. In dir ist Freude. O Mensch bewein'dein' Sünde gross.
Heut' triumphiret Gottes Sohn. MENDELSSOHN: Organ Sonata in
F minor, Op. 65 No. 1. GRACE: Resurgam. FRANCK: Pièce
héroique. BAKER: Royal Procession German composer Detlev Glanert (b. 1960) is a distinguished contemporary composer best known for his many operas. He also has written orchestral works, and a number of them are available on CD in performances by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: Frenesa, Concertgebouw Brass, , Flus Ohne Ufer, and Theatrum Bestarum. The latter is one of my favorites, a remarkable display of brilliant, imaginative orchestration. Now we have this major choral work which was fascinated by the [provocative artistry of Dutch artist t Heironymus Bosch, and welcomed the commission by JHeironymus (sic) Bosch 500 and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. This is a live recording of the premiere in the Concerrggebouw November 5, 2016, a gala occasion. Scored for speaker, four soloists, chorus and a large orchestra, there are eighteen sections: De Demonibus. Requiem Aetermiu,. Gula, Absolve Domine, Ira, Dies Irae, Invidia, Juste Judex, Organ Solo, Acedia, Domine Jesu Cristie; Superbia, Santus, Luxuria, Agnus Dei. Avarita. Likbera Me & Reccatum, In Paradisum. This is a remarkable choral masterpiece, here presented with the greatest authenticity. It must be incredibly difficult to perform, but Mark Stenz (who has recorded several other Glanert works with the Concertgebouw) obviously has a passion for this remarkable score. Audio is magnificent, and we are fortunate that one disk contains the entire work, with PT of 83:09.This is a deluxe presentation with a booklet that contains the complete libreto in Latin, English, French and German. This is a feast for those who love choral music. I first heard this exciting work about a year ago when it was broadcast by RN. How fortunate we are now to have it on this commercial release! In his program notes for this recording, Stephen Cleobury tells of how about a half-century ago he first played the mighty King's College organ, and how the instrument has been restored. This disk is described as the first solo surround sound recording of the instrument. It was made in the Cambridge Chapel January 16-17, 2017. The varied program includes standard repertory as well as Cleobury's radiant Alleluyas tas an opener, and George Baker's festive Procession Royale, which has its world premiere recording. The venue is not particularly resonant and low pedal sounds are not particularly impressive. However, the bright sound of the organ is very well captured by the engineers, although not impressively in "surround" sound. For that, check the stunning Dutton Epoch issue of E. Power Biggs playing organ concertos of Rheinberger (REVIEW). R.E.B. (July 2017) |