Nordic Voices, Eir Inderhaug & Ensemble 96 - Come to the Edge! (2019)

With the works on this album Cecilie Ore manifests her connection with a great European art-music tradition by allowing language to influence her composition. And as a consequence the various pieces manifest a more explicit political/ideological criticism than previously.

Ore's interest in the human voice and thereby emphasis on text has since 2005 brought her together with writer and dramaturge Bibbi Moslet with whom she has written a series of music drama works. In his article enclosed with this release, Geir Johnson comments: Social criticism plays a bigger and bigger part in her production, and the anger initially reflected through a high intensity in tone language and the demand that everything be technically perfect, is transformed into a defiance against certain crucial developments in the political life of contemporary society.

Ore wrote 'Come to the Edge!' in 2013 for the BBC Singers; a work discussing one of the most disputed trials of our time.

The piece is dedicated to the Russian resistance group Pussy Riot, whose members were sentenced to prison for two years accused of ?hooliganism inspired by hate of religion. In Ore's work, excerpts from the trial are juxtaposed with historical and anecdotal quotes on the significance of freedom of speech. Being both a commenting piece, but also addressing the audience it demonstrates a Verfremdungsteknikk in Ore's new style of writing. Ensemble 96 contributes with the highest level of perfection and strength ? right in your face!

'Who do you think you are?' was written for the 200th year anniversary of the Norwegian constitution, and the piece might be the only solo vocal piece performed from the most impressive rostrum in parliament. But - 'what are we celebrating?' The text echoes women expressing themselves and taking a stand in the public sphere, a choice that in many instances has led to threats of violence, rape and death. The soprano Eir Inderhaug gives voice to a woman representing all women and thereby elucidates the inner workings of a murky reality.

Sometimes reality surpasses the imagination. With ?The Vatican Trilogy? from 2016-17, Cecilie Ore has created a contemporary Madrigal Comedy, where the innate absurdity of the text is used to create an immediate connection with the audience. Even though parts of the trilogy are taken from historical documents of the Vatican, the piece comes off as surprisingly mundane and with an underlying humorous critique of faith and superstition. Nordic Voices is an outstanding cast in this surreal, yet historically correct account of what is happening behind the solid walls of the Vatican.

Eir Inderhaug, soprano
Nordic Voices
Ensemble 96

TRACKLIST

1. Ensemble 96 - Come to the Edge!
2. Eir Inderhaug - Who do you think you are?
3. NORDIC VOICES - The Vatican Trilogy: Dead Pope on Trial!
4. NORDIC VOICES - The Vatican Trilogy: The Pregnant Pope!
5. NORDIC VOICES - The Vatican Trilogy: The Fig Leaf