Bainbridge: Ad ora incerta & 4 Primo Levi Settings

Simon Bainbridge's "Ad ora incerta & 4 Primo Levi Settings" is a profound and evocative exploration of human experience, released on April 1, 2012, under NMC Recordings. This album, spanning 53 minutes, is a testament to Bainbridge's mastery of composition, blending poignant storytelling with rich, textural soundscapes.

The album is divided into two distinct yet interconnected parts. "Ad ora incerta" is a four-movement work that delves into themes of uncertainty and longing, each piece painting a vivid narrative. "Il canto del corvo" (The Crow's Song) opens with a haunting melody, while "Il tramonto di Fossoli" (The Sunset of Fossoli) evokes a sense of melancholic reflection. "Lunedì" (Monday) brings a sense of quiet introspection, and "Buna" concludes the cycle with a poignant resolution.

The second part of the album, "4 Primo Levi Settings," is a series of settings of poems by the renowned Italian writer and Holocaust survivor Primo Levi. Bainbridge's compositions breathe new life into Levi's words, capturing their depth and resonance. Each setting, from the haunting "25 febbraio 1944" to the reflective "Attesa" (Waiting), the enigmatic "La strega" (The Witch), and the transcendent "Da RM Rilke," offers a unique emotional landscape.

Simon Bainbridge's ability to weave together music and text creates a deeply moving and intellectually stimulating experience. "Ad ora incerta & 4 Primo Levi Settings" is not just a collection of pieces but a cohesive journey through the human condition, showcasing Bainbridge's exceptional talent and sensitivity as a composer.