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Cappella Amsterdam and it's artistic leader Daniel Reuss return to PENTATONE with a world premiere recording of David Lang's the writings. For this cycle, Lang has chosen five texts from the Old Testament tied to Jewish holidays. These writings share a universal appeal, a focus on what it means to be human. Lang's austere and repetitive score makes a profound emotional impact, fully in line with the poetry of the subjects recited. This album comes with insightful program notes by the composer, as well as an evocative analysis by his esteemed colleague Nico Muhly. Since it's foundation in 1970, Cappella Amsterdam has shown an exceptional mastery of contemporary and early vocal music, with acclaimed excurses to Romantic repertoire as well. Daniel Reuss has been Artistic Leader of Cappella Amsterdam for over three decades now, and has worked with several renowned choirs and ensembles. Their PENTATONE debut album In Umbra Mortis (2021) won an Edison Klassiek Award. Multiple award-winning composer David Lang is one of America's most performed composers, whose deceptively simple pieces can be fiendishly difficult to play, requiring incredible concentration by musicians and audiences alike.
L**S
Superb Contemporary Choral Performance
The title of this recording, 'the writings,' comes from the traditional Hebrew name for the collection of miscellaneous writings that make up the last of the three major divisions of the Hebrew Bible, more commonly known as the Old Testament. David Lang draws on the texts of the books of Ecclesiastes, Esther, the Song of Songs, Ruth and Lamentations for the six choral pieces performed by Cappellla Amsterdam and directed by Daniel Reuss.The performance by Cappella Amsterdam is provocative and powerful, wonderfully conveying the emotional power of the portions of the texts David Lang chose for each piece. The austerity of the writing enhances the emotional impact of the superb singing. This is definitely music that demands and rewards repeated listening. If you enjoy the music of Arvo Part or John Tavener, this may be the CD for you.In keeping with the outstanding performance, the recording quality is first-rate, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the rich, multilayered choral setting.Highly recommended.
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