"Light and Shade" is a captivating album by Swiss composer David Philip Hefti, released on July 16, 2021, under the NEOS Music label. This album is a collection of premiere recordings that showcase Hefti's unique compositional voice, featuring the Amaryllis Quartett and mezzo-soprano Maria Riccarda Wesseling.
The album presents a profound exploration of human emotions and existential themes, navigating the tensions between fatigue and courage, light and shade, grief and comfort. It comprises eight tracks, including the five-part vocal cycle "An durchsichtigen Fäden" for mezzo-soprano and string quartet, and two additional works: the String Quartet No. 5 "Concubia nocte" and "Danse interstellaire."
With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, "Light and Shade" offers a rich and immersive experience. The album art, captured by photographer Benno Hunziker, complements the music's introspective and evocative nature. This release is a testament to Hefti's ability to create deeply moving and intellectually engaging music, making it a significant addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.