Gavin Bryars: The Fifth Century

Gavin Bryars, renowned for his minimalist and avant-garde compositions, presents "The Fifth Century," a captivating choral and classical album released on November 18, 2016, under the ECM New Series label. This album marks a significant return to the label for Bryars, following his 1994 masterpiece "Vita Nova." Conducted by Donald Nally and performed by The Crossing choir alongside the PRISM Quartet, "The Fifth Century" is a testament to Bryars' unique musical vision.

The album features nine tracks, with the centerpiece being the seven-part title work, "The Fifth Century." This composition is a slowly evolving yet immediately engaging exploration of space, time, and eternity, drawing inspiration from the writings of the 16th-century mystic Saint Teresa of Ávila. The remaining two tracks, "Two Love Songs," offer a contrasting yet complementary experience, showcasing Bryars' versatility and depth as a composer.

With a duration of just over 50 minutes, "The Fifth Century" is a rich and immersive listening experience. The album's minimalist and avant-garde genres are beautifully balanced, creating a sense of tranquility and introspection. The performances by The Crossing and the PRISM Quartet are exceptional, bringing Bryars' compositions to life with precision and passion. The album was also nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance, further cementing its place as a standout release in Bryars' discography. Whether you're a long-time fan of Gavin Bryars or a newcomer to his work, "The Fifth Century" is an album that demands your attention and rewards repeated listening.