Immerse yourself in the intricate and thought-provoking world of Brian Ferneyhough's "Shadowtime," a monumental avant-garde composition that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music. Released in 2012 under NMC Recordings, this two-hour masterpiece is a thought opera inspired by the life and work of the esteemed philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin. Ferneyhough, a central figure in the New Complexity movement, crafts a sonic landscape that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aurally captivating.
"Shadowtime" is divided into seven scenes, each exploring different facets of Benjamin's life and ideas. The album features 37 tracks, each a meticulously composed piece that contributes to the overarching narrative. From the hauntingly beautiful "New Angels - Transient Failures (Prologue)" to the intense and complex "7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia," Ferneyhough's work is a testament to his philosophical depth and musical ingenuity.
The composition is performed by the Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart and the Nieuw Ensemble, with Jurjen Hempel conducting. Their interpretation brings Ferneyhough's intricate score to life, showcasing the full range of human emotion and intellectual exploration. The album is a journey through time and thought, blending historical references with avant-garde musical techniques.
Ferneyhough's "Shadowtime" is not just an album; it's an experience. It challenges the listener to engage with complex ideas and sounds, offering a rich and rewarding exploration of music and philosophy. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, "Shadowtime" promises a profound and unforgettable listening experience.
Tracks
Shadowtime: Scene 1, New Angels - Transient Failures (Prologue)Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime: Scene 2, Les Froissements d'Ailes de GabrielBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Amphibolies I (Walk Slowly)Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Dust to DuskBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Cannot CrossBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Indissolubility (Motetus Absconditus)Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Amphibolies II (Noon)Brian Ferneyhough, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: In the Dark (But Even Fire Is Light)Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: SometimesBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: AnagrammaticaBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Dew and dieBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: ScheinBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Dusts to DusksBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: Amphibolies III (Pricks)Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 3, The Doctrine of Similarity: SaluteBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 4, Opus Contra Naturam (Descent of Benjamin into the Underworld): —Brian Ferneyhough, Nicolas Hodges
Shadowtime, Scene 4, Opus Contra Naturam (Descent of Benjamin into the Underworld): KatabasisBrian Ferneyhough, Nicolas Hodges
Shadowtime, Scene 4, Opus Contra Naturam (Descent of Benjamin into the Underworld): KataplexyBrian Ferneyhough, Nicolas Hodges
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Three Giant MouthsBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Headless GhoulBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Karl Marx and Groucho Marx, with KerberusBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Pope Pius XIIBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Joan of ArcBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Baal Shem Tov Disguised as VampireBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Adolf HitlerBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Albert EinsteinBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Border GuardBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: Four FuriesBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 5, Pools of Darkness: GolemBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: Laurel's Eyes (After Heine's "Die Lorelei")Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: TensionsBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: Hashish in MarseillesBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: After Heine's "Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht"Brian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: One and a Half TruthsBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: Can'tsBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 6, 7 Tableaux Vivants Representing the Angel of History as Melancholia: Madame Moiselle and Mr. MoiselleBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
Shadowtime, Scene 7: Stelae for Failed TimeBrian Ferneyhough, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, Nicolas Hodges, Mats Scheidegger, Nieuw Ensemble, Jurjen Hempel
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.
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.
