"8 Lust Songs: I Sonetti Lussuriosi" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and classical music, presented by the renowned composer Michael Nyman. Released under his own label, Michael Nyman Records, this album is a testament to Nyman's unique style and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music. Recorded and mixed in iconic London studios, the album features the Michael Nyman Band and the enchanting vocals of Marie Angel, creating a rich and textured soundscape.
The album comprises eight tracks, each a setting of a sonnet from Giovanni Domenico Boccaccio's "I Sonetti Lussuriosi," a collection of explicit and provocative poems. The songs are performed in Italian, adding an air of mystique and intrigue. Despite the explicit content, the album comes with a Parental Advisory warning, ensuring that the explicit nature of the lyrics is clear to all potential listeners. With a runtime of just 45 minutes, "8 Lust Songs: I Sonetti Lussuriosi" is a concise yet powerful collection that showcases Michael Nyman's distinctive compositional voice and his ability to blend minimalism with classical sensibilities. The album was released on June 2, 2008, and features a unique blend of post-minimalism and art song, making it a standout release in Nyman's extensive discography.