Ilya Poletaev, Measha Brueggergosman, Ensemble ArtChoral, Lara Deutsch, Philip Chiu - Tzimtzum (2023) [24/96]

“Tzimtzum”: a Hebrew word describing the first step God takes in the process of creation, a contraction of His infinite light into a space ripe for a new realm.

Tzimtzum: an album composed by Jaap Nico Hamburger that contracts an impressive list of featured artists into eight tracks to transport listeners into a magical musical realm.

Hamburger instantly sets a heavenly scene on the titular track, and while this concept might be cliché for an introduction, the execution is anything but. Delgado’s deep cello and Dupont’s low harp glide effortlessly through Ensemble ArtChoral’s enchanting, wordless choral performance, with resonant bells to boot. This is Hamburger’s moment of light, where the beautiful melodic layers begin to form a natural realm. These exclusively optimistic tones cannot exist in perpetuity, however, and soon give way to the sombre, challenging tones of Quartet for Violin, Viola, Violoncello, and Pianoforte, and later Cloches Sourdes (for Two Pianos and Bells) and Souvenirs Fugaces pour piano solo. Without the darkness, anxiety, or uncertainty presented by these tracks, the power of the light is not nearly as meaningful, Hamburger argues. The quartet’s second movement stands out for its compelling combination of Poletaev’s low, staccato piano with Strauss’s frantic violin.

Hundreds of years of rich musical history, timeless compositions and technological advancements are explored in the 11 minutes of the final work, Concerto Antico. This loving send-off reflects on the importance and impact of creation, and Hamburger’s light shines through just as much at the end of the album as at the beginning.

TRACKLIST

1. Ensemble ArtChoral - Tzimtzum
2. Ilya Poletaev - Piano Quartet: I. Andante
3. Ilya Poletaev - Piano Quartet: II. Allegro vivace
4. Ilya Poletaev - Piano Quartet: III. Poco andante - Quasi ad libitum
5. Lara Deutsch - TienLies
6. Philip Chiu - Cloches sourdes
7. Ilya Poletaev - Souvenirs fugaces: I. Molto espressivo et quasi sognante
8. Ilya Poletaev - Souvenirs fugaces: II. Rhytmico fanatico
9. Ilya Poletaev - Souvenirs fugaces: III. Agitato, inquieto
10. Ilya Poletaev - Souvenirs fugaces: IV. Tranquilo et molto cantabile
11. Measha Brueggergosman - Songs in Times of Honour (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 1, Meine Mutter
12. Measha Brueggergosman - Songs in Times of Honour (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 2, Abschied
13. Measha Brueggergosman - Songs in Times of Honour (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 3, Ich Weiß
14. Ilya Poletaev - Piano Sonata "Something for Piano": I. —
15. Ilya Poletaev - Piano Sonata "Something for Piano": II. —
16. Orchestre classique de Montréal - Concerto antico "À travers un miroir fumé": I. Introduction
17. Orchestre classique de Montréal - Concerto antico "À travers un miroir fumé": II. Courante
18. Orchestre classique de Montréal - Concerto antico "À travers un miroir fumé": III. Aria
19. Orchestre classique de Montréal - Concerto antico "À travers un miroir fumé": IV. Ritornello
20. Orchestre classique de Montréal - Concerto antico "À travers un miroir fumé": V. Epilogue



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