Choir of Royal Holloway, The Rossetti Ensemble, Rupert Gough - Kefi: Choral & Chamber Works by Lydia Kakabadse (2024) [24/96]

British-born composer Lydia Kakabadse celebrates her multicultural heritage (Greek/Austrian mother and Georgian/Russian father) through her diverse musical output. Recorded in London, her latest album showcases an even broader range of music compared to her previous works, integrating ethnic instruments into Western music. Featuring the innovative ‘alternative string quartet’ (violin, viola, cello, and double bass), the title track "Kefi" introduces the Greek Bouzouki and ‘Greek oud’ or politiko laout. While exploring a wide array of textures and styles, the music is unified by the use of the double harmonic scale.

Among the chamber works featured on the album, the highlight is the choral piece "Thirty Steps," commissioned by the Hellenic Institute at Royal Holloway. The institute’s choir, recognized as one of Britain's premier mixed-voice choirs, delivers a captivating performance of the work. Accompanying them are experienced and esteemed performers from various musical backgrounds.

Lydia Kakabadse is renowned for her eclectic compositions, spanning choral, chamber, and vocal genres. Influenced by her multicultural upbringing and Greek and Russian Orthodox traditions, she draws inspiration from diverse sources such as Orthodox Church music, medieval melodies, and Greek and Middle Eastern dance. Trained in piano and double bass since childhood, she pursued music studies at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Her compositions, which include string quartets, choral pieces, and concert requiems, have received critical acclaim and have been featured on recordings by prestigious labels like Naxos and Divine Art. Notable commissions include “I Remember” for Forest Preparatory School and “Odyssey” for The Hellenic Institute. Her works have been performed at international festivals and by esteemed ensembles, with her string quartet “Russian Tableaux” being broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Currently pursuing a PhD in ethnomusicology, Lydia continues to enrich the musical landscape with her vibrant and distinctive creations, showcasing the richness of her multicultural heritage.

Cecily Beer, harp
Mary Bull, flute
Tom Wagner, percussion
Leon Bosch, double bass
Dimitris Gionis, bouzouki
The Rossetti Ensemble
The Choir of Royal Holloway
Rupert Gough, conductor

Tracklist:
01. Feast of Herod I. The Veiled Dancer
02. Feast of Herod II. Dance of the Harem
03. Nomadic Dances I. Ceremonial Gathering
04. Nomadic Dances II. Herding
05. Nomadic Dances III. Trekking
06. Kefi
07. Original Theme by Anton Diabelli
08. Variation on a Theme by Anton Diabelli
09. 30 Steps No. 1, —
10. 30 Steps No. 2, —
11. 30 Steps No. 3, —
12. 30 Steps No. 4, —
13. 30 Steps No. 5, —
14. 30 Steps No. 6, —
15. 30 Steps No. 7, —
16. 30 Steps No. 8, —
17. 30 Steps No. 9, —
18. 30 Steps No. 10, —
19. 30 Steps No. 11, —
20. 30 Steps No. 12, —
21. 30 Steps No. 13, —
22. 30 Steps No. 14, —
23. 30 Steps No. 15, —
24. 30 Steps No. 16, —
25. 30 Steps No. 17, —
26. 30 Steps No. 18, —
27. 30 Steps No. 19, —
28. 30 Steps No. 20, —
29. 30 Steps No. 21, —
30. 30 Steps No. 22, —
31. 30 Steps No. 23, —
32. 30 Steps No. 24, —
33. 30 Steps No. 25, —
34. 30 Steps No. 26, —
35. 30 Steps No. 27, —
36. 30 Steps No. 28, —
37. 30 Steps No. 29, —
38. 30 Steps No. 30, —


Thanks to the Original customer!