Dive into the intricate and thought-provoking world of Michael Finnissy with "Pious Anthems & Voluntaries," a captivating exploration of avant-garde choral music. Released in 2020, this double album is the culmination of Finnissy's three-year residency with the renowned St. John's College Choir, Cambridge, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha. Spanning 14 tracks and over an hour and a half, this album is a testament to Finnissy's unique compositional style and his deep engagement with historical and contemporary musical traditions.
The album features a mix of original compositions and reimaginings of classic pieces, showcasing Finnissy's ability to blend the old with the new. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Dum transisset Sabbatum" and its double, as well as the intricate and layered "Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn," which is presented in six distinct movements. Each track is a testament to Finnissy's meticulous craftsmanship and his ability to push the boundaries of choral music.
"Pious Anthems & Voluntaries" is not just a collection of songs, but a journey through the mind of one of the most innovative composers of our time. The album's liner notes feature Finnissy's own reflections on the backstory of this ambitious cycle, providing valuable insights into his creative process. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. With its stunning performances and innovative compositions, "Pious Anthems & Voluntaries" is a standout release in the world of contemporary choral music.
(C) 2020 Signum Records(P) 2020 Signum Records
Tracks
Dum transisset SabbatumMichael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Dum transisset Sabbatum – doubleMichael Finnissy, Glen Dempsey, Andrew Nethsingha
Videte miraculumMichael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Videte miraculum – doubleMichael Finnissy, Glen Dempsey, Andrew Nethsingha
Commentary on ‘Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern’Michael Finnissy, Glen Dempsey, Sarah O'Flynn, Cecily Ward, Andrew Nethsingha
Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn: I. ‘Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn’Michael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, Glen Dempsey, Sarah O'Flynn, Cecily Ward, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn: II. ‘Ach führe mich, o Gott’Michael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, James Anderson-Besant, Alfred Harrison
Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn: III. ‘Ach, ziehe die Seele’Michael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, Glen Dempsey, Sarah O'Flynn, Hugh Cutting
Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn: IV. ‘O Wunderkraft der Liebe’Michael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, James Anderson-Besant, Gopal Kambo
Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn: V. ‘Bald zur Rechten’Michael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, Glen Dempsey, Cecily Ward, James Adams
Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn: VI. ‘Für uns ein Mensch geboren’Michael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, James Anderson-Besant, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Commentary on BWV 562Michael Finnissy, Glen Dempsey, Sarah O'Flynn, Cecily Ward, Andrew Nethsingha
Plebs angelicaMichael Finnissy, Andrew Nethsingha, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge
Plebs angelica – alternativoMichael Finnissy, Glen Dempsey, James Anderson-Besant, Andrew Nethsingha
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