Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Per Nørgård's "Will-o'-the-Wisps in Town - Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking," a captivating journey through the realms of neoclassical and avant-garde music. Released in 2012 under the Dacapo label, this album is a testament to Nørgård's unique compositional style, blending intricate chamber music with haunting vocal performances by Helene Gjerris and the Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen.
The album is divided into two distinct yet interconnected parts. The first, "Will-o'-the-Wisps in Town," is a narrative-driven exploration of fairy tales and their endings, featuring a mezzo-soprano and a chamber ensemble. The tracks weave together preludes, arias, and narratives, each telling a part of the story. The second part, "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking," is a three-movement instrumental piece that evokes the ebb and flow of the sea, with its rhythmic and melodic patterns.
Nørgård's music is known for its intricate structures and rich textures, and this album is no exception. The fairy tale elements of "Will-o'-the-Wisps in Town" provide a rich tapestry for Nørgård's compositions, while "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" showcases his ability to create evocative soundscapes. The album's duration of 48 minutes offers a substantial exploration of Nørgård's musical universe, making it a compelling listen for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to his work.
Whether you're drawn to the narrative allure of "Will-o'-the-Wisps in Town" or the rhythmic complexity of "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking," this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience. Per Nørgård's "Will-o'-the-Wisps in Town - Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" is a must for anyone seeking to explore the boundaries of neoclassical and avant-garde music.
2012 Dacapo2012 Dacapo
Tracks
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Prelude. Eventyrene, der slap op [the Fairy Tales That Came to an End]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Narrative: Manden, som engang vidste eventyr [the Man Who Used to Know Fairy Tales]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Narrative: Skovpastorale [Woodland Pastorale]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Aria. Hvor blev eventyret af? [Whatever Happened to the Fairy Tale?]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Narrative: Eventyrjagt [Fairy Tale Hunt]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Aria. Solnedgang og dampende enge [Sunset and Ground Mists Rising]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Narrative: Det var ud pa aftenen [It Was Late in the Evening]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Aria and Narrative: En dyster invitation [an Ominous Invitation]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Narrative: Det forstar jeg ikke et ord af [I Don't Understand a Word of All This!]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Tolv sma lygtemaend [Twelve Little Will-o'-the-Wisps]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Narrative: Nu er det en gammel, medfodt lov [It Is an Ancient Birthright and Favour]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Aria. 365 men'sker pa et ar [365 Humans in a Year]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Chorus. De kunne slet ikke … [They could not … ]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Aria. Finale 1: Rapport fra Eventyrland [Report from a Fairy Tale Land]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Lygtemaendene tager til byen (the Will-o'-the-Wisps Go to Town) [version for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble]: Aria. Finale 2: Er der noget der ringer? [Is There a Sound Ringing?]Per Nørgård, Helene Gjerris, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking: I. Poco allegroPer Nørgård, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking: II. VivoPer Nørgård, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking: III. Soffiato, marcatoPer Nørgård, Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen
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
