The Messenger

Valentin Silvestrov's 'The Messenger' is a poignant and evocative album, released on 25 November 2022 via Challenge Classics. This classical music masterpiece, with a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, is a live recording from the Stift Festival, which took place on 26 August 2022 at the Muziekcentrum in Enschede, the Netherlands.

The album features a range of Silvestrov's compositions, including 'The Messenger', 'Post Scriptum', and 'Sonata for Violin and Piano', showcasing his unique ability to pay tribute to the musical heritage of the past while maintaining his own distinct voice. The idea of acknowledging and responding to the music that has come before is central to Silvestrov's art, and this is beautifully exemplified in 'The Messenger', which offers a response to and an echo of Mozart's music.

With 17 tracks, including 'Piano Sonata 2', 'Hommage à J.S.B', and 'Epitaphium', this album is a testament to Silvestrov's skill as a composer. The music is both a reflection on the past and a look towards the future, creating a sense of continuity and connection between different eras and styles.

Valentin Silvestrov's 'The Messenger' is a must-listen for fans of classical music, and its release is a significant event in the musical world. The album's themes of tribute, response, and remembrance are woven throughout the music, creating a sense of depth and emotion that is sure to resonate with listeners.

Valentin Silvestrov, born in Kyiv in 1937, is a Ukrainian composer and pianist whose contemporary classical music has earned him international acclaim. Beginning his musical journey at the age of 15, Silvestrov's path was unconventional, studying civil engineering by day and piano by night before dedicating himself fully to composition. His works, ranging from avant-garde to sacred music, are known for their unique blend of traditional tonal and modal techniques, creating a delicate tapestry of dramatic and emotional textures. Silvestrov's music is often described as mentally challenging yet aurally agreeable, with a timeless quality that resonates deeply with audiences. Throughout his career, he has undergone significant stylistic shifts, moving from experimental avant-garde to a quieter, more harmonious style that he sees as a transition from the 20th to the 21st century. His compositions, such as the heart-wrenching "Hymn" and his symphonies, reflect his deep connection to the past and his ability to evoke a sense of reminiscence. Despite his profound impact on the music world, Silvestrov remains a quiet yet major voice in contemporary classical music.