Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Per Nørgård's "Songs from Evening Land," a captivating collection of vocal works that blend neoclassical and avant-garde elements. Released in 2013 under the Dacapo label, this album spans a diverse range of compositions, showcasing Nørgård's unique musical language and profound lyrical sensibilities.
The album features a rich tapestry of pieces, including the evocative "Sanger fra Aftonland" (Songs from Evening Land), a three-part cycle that draws listeners into a realm of introspection and poetic beauty. Each section of this cycle is meticulously crafted, with highlights such as the haunting "Preludio" and the serene "Tacka vill jag." The album also includes the stirring "Plutonian Ode," a dramatic work that sets text by Allen Ginsberg to music, as well as the delicate "3 Chansons," inspired by the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud.
Per Nørgård's compositions are brought to life by a stellar ensemble of performers, including the luminous mezzo-soprano Helene Gjerris, whose voice lends an ethereal quality to the music. The album's duration of 79 minutes offers a substantial journey through Nørgård's musical landscape, revealing his mastery of form, harmony, and emotional expression.
"Songs from Evening Land" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to Per Nørgård's enduring influence in contemporary classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Nørgård's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album promises a deeply rewarding listening experience.
2013 Dacapo2013 Dacapo
Tracks
2 Recitatives, Op. 16: No. 1, Jag lyssnar till vindenPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Toke Møldrup
Entwicklungen: No. 1, KindheitPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Jesper Lutzhoft, Gert Sorensen, Toke Møldrup
Entwicklungen: No. 2, Die GenesendePer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Jesper Lutzhoft, Gert Sorensen, Toke Møldrup
Plutonian Ode: Introduction. RecitationPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Toke Møldrup
Plutonian Ode: I. RecitationPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Toke Møldrup
Plutonian Ode: II. AriaPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Toke Møldrup
3 Chansons: No. 1, Le sommeilPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann
3 Chansons: No. 2, Les corbeauxPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann
3 Chansons: No. 3, La terrePer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann
3 kaerlighedssange (3 Love Songs) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: No. 1, L'etoile a pleure rosePer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Anne Marie Abildskov, Jesper Lutzhoft, Gert Sorensen, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
3 kaerlighedssange (3 Love Songs) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: No. 2, Wie soll ich meine Seele haltenPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Anne Marie Abildskov, Jesper Lutzhoft, Gert Sorensen, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
3 kaerlighedssange (3 Love Songs) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: No. 3, Opfer [fragment]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Anne Marie Abildskov, Jesper Lutzhoft, Gert Sorensen, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Day and Night: No. 1, A KillPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Toke Møldrup, Anne Marie Abildskov
Day and Night: No. 2, Silversweet SoundPer Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Toke Møldrup, Anne Marie Abildskov
Solen sa jeg (I saw the Sun) [version for mezzo-soprano, flute, violin, viola and cello]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. I: No. 1: Allt ar sa underligt fjarran i dag (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. I: No. 2: Du manniska som star vid stranden av mig (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. I: No. 3: Det ar om aftonen man bryter upp (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. II: No. 1: Preludio (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. II: No. 2: Nu ar det sommermorgon (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. II: No. 3: Tacka vill jag (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Sanger fran Aftonland, Op. 17: Pt. III: Det ar om aftonen man bryter upp (Songs from Evening Land)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Ulla Miilmann, Tine Rehling, Johannes Søe Hansen, Lotte Wallevik, Toke Møldrup, Casper Schreiber
Abendlied (Arr. For vocals and gamelan as Schlafen gehen, Schmerz und Not)Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Gert Sorensen
Per Nørgård, a towering figure in Danish music, was a composer whose work spanned neoclassical and avant-garde genres, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Born in Gentofte in 1932, Nørgård's career was marked by a relentless exploration of sound, form, and tonality, earning him a reputation as one of Denmark's most significant composers. His music, often characterized by repeated motifs, reflects a deep sensitivity and strong personality that were evident even in his early works, such as his first solo cello sonata composed between the ages of 19 and 21. Nørgård's admirations ranged from the symphonies of Sibelius to the humor of South Park, a duality that found expression in his own compositions, blending the full force of nature with a playful wit. Throughout his prolific career, Nørgård's contributions to the world of music were as varied as they were influential, making him a beloved figure among enthusiasts and critics alike.
Vinylscout
Per Nørgård
