Accentus, the renowned Paris-based chamber choir directed by Laurence Equilbey, presents a unique and captivating collection of choral works in their 2008 album "Transcriptions." This album is a testament to the ensemble's versatility and artistic prowess, featuring a diverse range of compositions from various composers, including Gustav Mahler, Maurice Ravel, and Johannes Brahms, among others.
The album showcases Accentus' ability to transcend traditional boundaries, with arrangements that transform instrumental and vocal pieces into stunning choral works. The choir's precise and expressive performances bring a fresh perspective to these well-known pieces, making them feel both familiar and new.
"Transcriptions" spans a wide emotional and musical landscape, from the hauntingly beautiful "Adagio" by Samuel Barber to the lively and playful "Pavane de la belle au bois dormant" from Ravel's "Ma mère l'Oye" suite. The album also includes works that highlight the choir's dynamic range and technical skill, such as the intricate "Etudes" by Frédéric Chopin and the dramatic "Alexander Nevsky" by Sergei Prokofiev.
With a duration of nearly two hours, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience. The choir's impeccable blend and Equilbey's insightful direction shine throughout, making "Transcriptions" a standout release in Accentus' discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is sure to impress and inspire.
Symphony No. 5: IV. Kein deutscher Himmel. Adagietto - Arr. by Gérard PessonGustav Mahler, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Komm süsser Tod, BWV 478 - Arr. by Knut NystedtJohann Sebastian Bach, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Etudes, Op. 10: No. 6 in E-Flat Minor "Lament" - Arr. by Frank KrawczykFrédéric Chopin, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
3 Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé: No. 1, Soupir - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldMaurice Ravel, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Mörike-Lieder: No. 7, Das verlassene Mägdlein - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldHugo Wolf, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Mörike-Lieder: No. 23, Auf ein altes Bild - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldHugo Wolf, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Die Nachtigall - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldAlban Berg, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Rückert Lieder: No. 4, Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldGustav Mahler, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Les angélus, L. 76 - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldClaude Debussy, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 58: III. Largo - Arr. by Clytus GottwaldFrédéric Chopin, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto No. 4 in F Minor "Winter", RV 297 - Arr. for ChoirAntonio Vivaldi, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey, Orchestre National De France
Am Tage Aller Seelen, D. 343 - Arr. for ChoirFranz Schubert, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78: VI. The Field of the Dead - Arr. for ChoirSergei Prokofiev, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Vierzehn Lieder und Gesänge. Aus der Jugenzeit: No. 5, Scheiden und Meiden - Arr. for ChoirGustav Mahler, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
5 Gedichte für eine Frauenstimme, WWV 91: No. 3, Im Treibhaus - Arr. for ChoirRichard Wagner, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810: II. Andante con moto - Arr. for ChoirFranz Schubert, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911: No. 20, Der Wegweiser. Mässig - Arr. for ChoirFranz Schubert, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Nacht und Träume, Op. 43 No. 2, D. 827 - Arr. for ChoirFranz Schubert, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: No. 4, Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz - Arr. for ChoirGustav Mahler, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Geistliche Oden und Lieder I, Wq. 194: No. 45, Busslied - Arr. for ChoirJohann Sebastian Bach, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
An Babels Wasserflüssen - Arr. for ChoirPeter Cornelius, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
6 Partitas: No. 1 in B-Flat Major, BWV 825: V. Menuet II - Arr. for ChoirJohann Sebastian Bach, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Préludes, Premier Livre, L. 117: No. 6, Des pas sur la neige - Arr. for ChoirClaude Debussy, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Shéhérazade: No. 2, La flûte enchantée - Arr. for ChoirMaurice Ravel, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey