David Lang's "The National Anthems & The Little Match Girl Passion" is a profound and evocative journey through the realms of contemporary classical and free jazz. Released in 2016 under the Cantaloupe Music label, this album features the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Calder Quartet, delivering a powerful and moving experience that spans 56 minutes across 20 tracks.
The album is a unique pairing of two significant works by David Lang. "The National Anthems" is a series of five interconnected pieces that explore themes of unity, struggle, and hope. Each anthem delves into the collective human experience, offering a poignant reflection on our shared humanity. The second half of the album is dedicated to Lang's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Little Match Girl Passion," a choral work based on Hans Christian Andersen's poignant tale. This work, presented in a version for four voices, percussion, and choir, brings a haunting beauty and deep sense of loss to the forefront, making it a standout piece in Lang's repertoire.
The collaboration between the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Calder Quartet brings a rich, layered sound to the album, with intricate vocal harmonies and delicate instrumental arrangements. The performances are marked by a deep sense of empathy and technical prowess, making this album a standout in the genre. Whether you are a fan of contemporary classical music or looking to explore new musical horizons, "The National Anthems & The Little Match Girl Passion" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2016 Cantaloupe Music2016 Cantaloupe Music
Tracks
The National Anthems: Our Land with PeaceDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Our Hearts Are GlowingDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Fame & GloryDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Keep Us FreeDavid Lang, Zanaida Robles, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Our Common FateDavid Lang, Adriana Manfredi, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Come, DaughterDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Michael Blanchard, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): It Was Terribly ColdDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Dearest HeartDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): In an Old ApronDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Penance & RemorseDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Lights Were ShiningDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Patience, Patience!David Lang, Michael Blanchard, Claire Fedoruk, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Ah! PerhapsDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Have Mercy, My GodDavid Lang, Michael Blanchard, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): She Lighted Another MatchDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): From the Sixth HourDavid Lang, Claire Fedoruk, Michael Blanchard, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): She Again Rubbed a MatchDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): When It Is Time for Me to GoDavid Lang, Adriana Manfredi, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): In the Dawn of MorningDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): We Sit & CryDavid Lang, Adriana Manfredi, Matthew Brown, Claire Fedoruk, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
David Lang is a visionary musician who delves into the uncharted territories of free jazz, creating a unique sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional music. With his innovative approach, David Lang's compositions are a testament to his bold artistic vision, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the complexities and nuances of his craft.
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David Lang
