Bryars: I tatti madrigals

Album Description

Gavin Bryars, renowned for his minimalist and avant-garde compositions, presents "I Tatti Madrigals," a captivating exploration of Renaissance poetry set to contemporary classical music. Released on December 29, 2016, this album is a testament to Bryars' unique ability to blend historical texts with modern musical sensibilities. The album features twelve tracks, each a madrigal setting of poems by Petrarch, Bronzino, Laura Battiferri, and Michelangelo Buonarroti il Giovane. The works are performed by the vocal ensemble Singer Pur, known for their precise and expressive singing.

"I Tatti Madrigals" is a 52-minute journey through the intricate beauty of Renaissance poetry, brought to life by Bryars' distinctive compositional style. The album is a collaboration between Bryars and the I Tatti Renaissance Library, a series dedicated to making Renaissance texts accessible to modern readers. The madrigals are drawn from the fifth book of Bryars' compositions, with the first four tracks also forming a separate set titled "Four I Tatti Madrigals."

The album is released under GB Records and is available in CD format. The genres of minimalism and avant-garde are prominent throughout, offering listeners a rich and textured aural experience. Whether you're a fan of classical music, Renaissance poetry, or contemporary composition, "I Tatti Madrigals" offers a unique and engaging listening experience.

December 29, 2016

2016 GB Records / Zaleski Enterprises

About Gavin Bryars

Gavin Bryars is a versatile and influential British composer and double bassist, born in Yorkshire in 1943. His musical journey began in the early 1960s as a jazz bassist, collaborating with improvisers like Derek Bailey. Over the decades, Bryars has explored a wide range of genres, including jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. His compositions are known for their unique, often hypnotic qualities, and his approach to music is deeply personal, with each piece written specifically for the performers who bring it to life. Bryars' work has inspired generations of artists, notably with his seminal piece "The Sinking of the Titanic," released on Brian Eno's Obscure imprint. His innovative contributions to music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Innovation Award at The Ivors Classical Awards. Bryars' music is a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to continually evolve and surprise.