Daniel Reuss brings a level of vitality and nuance to Igor Stravinsky's late works, deftly navigating the complexities of serialism to unlock the composer's profound musical thought. A self-effacing purity shines through in these intellectually probing pieces, which, while sometimes austere, possess an undeniable beauty that demands greater recognition.
Reuss's precise yet vital interpretations for the Noord Nederlands Orkest are matched by Cappella Amsterdam's captivating vocals, imbuing Stravinsky's music with a sense of narrative and emotional depth. The set, spanning four main works, showcases Stravinsky's mastery of different styles, from the extended, impassioned setting of In Memoriam Dylan Thomas to the spiny, multifaceted Threni.
A particular highlight is the haunting Introitus, with its sparse yet evocative textures, and the bristling Requiem Canticles, which exude a sense of urgency and drama. The inclusion of shorter pieces, such as an unpretentious Lord's Prayer and the cerebral Elegy for JFK, adds variety to the set without sacrificing cohesion.
State-of-the-art sonics serve the music well in this new recording, making it a compelling addition to a relatively underserved field. As Stravinsky's reputation continues to grow, Reuss's insightful interpretation and Cappella Amsterdam's captivating vocals ensure that these spellbinding works remain at the forefront of classical music.
Reuss's precise yet vital interpretations for the Noord Nederlands Orkest are matched by Cappella Amsterdam's captivating vocals, imbuing Stravinsky's music with a sense of narrative and emotional depth. The set, spanning four main works, showcases Stravinsky's mastery of different styles, from the extended, impassioned setting of In Memoriam Dylan Thomas to the spiny, multifaceted Threni.
A particular highlight is the haunting Introitus, with its sparse yet evocative textures, and the bristling Requiem Canticles, which exude a sense of urgency and drama. The inclusion of shorter pieces, such as an unpretentious Lord's Prayer and the cerebral Elegy for JFK, adds variety to the set without sacrificing cohesion.
State-of-the-art sonics serve the music well in this new recording, making it a compelling addition to a relatively underserved field. As Stravinsky's reputation continues to grow, Reuss's insightful interpretation and Cappella Amsterdam's captivating vocals ensure that these spellbinding works remain at the forefront of classical music.