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CKD552M
Originally recorded in March 2017
Classical
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About
For his debut recording with Linn, conductor Oliver Knussen has assembled an impressive cast of contemporary composers for The Soldier's Tale: Harrison Birtwistle as the soldier and George Benjamin as the Devil, with actress Dame Harriet Walter as the narrator. The longest work on this disc, The Soldier's Tale mixes fiendishly difficult changes of time signature with Stravinsky's newly discovered love of jazz with melodies which echo his larger pre-war scores. It is also a work that demonstrates immense clarity and moving simplicity at times, and a sardonic wit at others.
With such a starry cast this recording will be of particular interest to those with an interest in contemporary music, especially considering the addition of two new Birtwistle world premiere versions of Chorale from a Toy Shopwritten specially for the recording.
The rest of the programme includes an exquisite Knussen arrangement of Maxwell Davies's Canon ad honorem Igor Stravinsky, intermixed with Stravinsky's own late commemorative miniatures.
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Reviews
Performance **** Recording *****
"... the disc merits a strong recommendation."
Editor's Choice
"...Knussen's account of the score, alongside a generous collection of miniatures by Birtwistle, Maxwell Davies and Stravinsky, is crisp and alert, securing excellent playing throughout, and Harriet Walter's narration is a delight. Excellent sound and presentation." *****
'Anyone who knows Knussen's magical disc of seemingly intractable late Stravinsky (DG, 10/95) or his unbeatable Fairy's Kiss (DG, 11/97) will want this one too.'
'...the playing of the Royal Academy's Manson Ensemble is taut, fearless and detailed.' ****
'Harriet Walter’s lively Narrator is paired with two august composers in the other speaking roles.' ****
'[A] remarkable disc...'
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