Benoît Mernier - Benoît Mernier: A Wake of Music (LP)

Benoît Mernier, the renowned Belgian composer and organist, presents "A Wake of Music," a captivating album released on June 1, 2018, under the Cypres label. This 51-minute journey through contemporary classical music showcases Mernier's distinctive tonal works, blending traditional forms with modern sensibilities.

The album is divided into two main parts. The first half is dedicated to "Dickinson Songs," a series of seven pieces inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Each song is a delicate exploration of the human condition, with titles like "My Garden - Like the Beach," "Of Being Is a Bird," and "Snow Flakes" hinting at the introspective and evocative nature of the compositions. The second half of the album features the "Concerto pour Orgue," a three-movement work that highlights Mernier's mastery of the organ, with movements titled "Vif," "Calme et souple," and "Vif et léger."

Performed by the Orchestre Symphonique de La Monnaie and the Belgian National Orchestra, under the direction of Alain Altinoglu and Hugh Wolff, "A Wake of Music" is a testament to Mernier's ability to create deeply moving and intellectually stimulating music. The album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary classical music, offering a unique blend of lyrical beauty and structural sophistication.