Kirill Gerstein's "Debussy / Komitas: Music in Time of War" is a profound double album that masterfully intertwines the works of Claude Debussy and Komitas, offering a unique exploration of music's resonance during periods of conflict. Released on April 12, 2024, under the Platoon label, this collection spans 43 tracks and over two hours of captivating classical piano and vocal performances.
The album features Debussy's iconic "12 Études," composed during the tumultuous years of World War I, alongside Komitas' evocative Armenian Dances and Songs, which are essentially folk song transcriptions. Kirill Gerstein's meticulous interpretation brings to life the intricate nuances of Debussy's piano études, while his collaboration with soprano Ruzan Mantashyan adds a hauntingly beautiful dimension to Komitas' works.
In addition to the musical pieces, the album includes a 174-page collection of conversations curated by Gerstein and edited by musicologists Eva Zöllner and Richard Evidon. This thoughtful addition provides a deeper context and narrative, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the music.
"Music in Time of War" is not just a compilation of classical pieces but a testament to the enduring power of music to reflect and connect with the world, both past and present. Kirill Gerstein's fascination with this theme is evident in every note, making this album a compelling listen for both classical enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of music's role in times of upheaval.
Tracks
12 Études, Premier Livre, L. 136: I. Pour les cinq doigts · d'après Monsieur CzernyClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Premier Livre, L. 136: II. Pour les tiercesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Premier Livre, L. 136: III. Pour les quartesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Premier Livre, L. 136: IV. Pour les sixtesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Premier Livre, L. 136: V. Pour les octavesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Premier Livre, L. 136: VI. Pour les huit doigtsClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Deuxième Livre, L. 136: VII. Pour les degrés chromatiquesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Deuxième Livre, L. 136: VIII. Pour les agrémentsClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Deuxième Livre, L. 136: IX. Pour les notes répétéesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Deuxième Livre, L. 136: X. Pour les sonorités opposéesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Deuxième Livre, L. 136: XI. Pour les arpèges composésClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
12 Études, Deuxième Livre, L. 136: XII. Pour les accordsClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Manushaki of VagharshapatKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Yerangi of YerevanKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Unabi of ShushiKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Shushiki of VagharshapatKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Marali of ShushiKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Het u Aradj of KarinKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Armenian Dances: Shoror of KarinKomitas, Kirill Gerstein
Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: I. La Flûte de PanClaude Debussy, Pierre Louÿs, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Chansons de Bilitis, L.90: II. La ChevelureClaude Debussy, Pierre Louÿs, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: III. Le Tombeau des naïadesClaude Debussy, Pierre Louÿs, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
6 Épigraphes antiques, L. 139: I. Pour invoquer Pan, dieu du vent d'étéClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Katia Skanavi
6 Épigraphes antiques, L. 139: II. Pour un tombeau sans nomClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Katia Skanavi
6 Épigraphes antiques, L. 139: III. Pour que la nuit soit propiceClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Katia Skanavi
6 Épigraphes antiques, L. 139: IV. Pour la danseuse aux crotalesClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Katia Skanavi
6 Épigraphes antiques, L. 139: V. Pour l'ÉgyptienneClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Katia Skanavi
6 Épigraphes antiques, L. 139: VI. Pour remercier la pluie au matinClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Katia Skanavi
Armenian Songs: Tsirani tsarKomitas, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Armenian Songs: Chinar esKomitas, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Armenian Songs: Garoun aKomitas, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Armenian Songs: Le le YamanKomitas, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Armenian Songs: Qeler TsolerKomitas, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Armenian Songs: AntouniKomitas, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Noël des enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons, L. 147Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Ruzan Mantashyan
Page d'album pour piano pour l'oeuvre du "Vêtement du blessé," L. 133Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
Berceuse héroïque pour rendre hommage à S.M. le roi Albert Ier de Belgique et à ses soldats, L. 132Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
Étude retrouvée, L. 143aClaude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
Élégie from Pages inédites sur la Femme et la Guerre, L. 138Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
Les Soirs illuminés par l’ardeur du charbon, L. 150Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein
En blanc et noir, L. 134: I. À mon ami A. Koussevitzky (Avec emportement)Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Thomas Adès
En blanc et noir, L. 134: Au lieutenant Jacques Charlot tué à l'ennemi en 1915, le 3 mars (Lent. Sombre)Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Thomas Adès
En blanc et noir, L. 134: III. À mon ami Igor Stravinsky (Scherzando)Claude Debussy, Kirill Gerstein, Thomas Adès
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "Debussy / Komitas: Music in Time of War" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
