Svend Nielsen - Nielsen: Sommerfugledalen (LP)

Svend Nielsen's "Sommerfugledalen (Butterfly Valley)" is a captivating neoclassical and chamber music album released in 2007 under the Dacapo label. This intricate work is a requiem for 12 solo singers, beautifully setting to music a 15-sonnet cycle by Danish poet Inger Christensen. The album is a testament to Nielsen's compositional prowess, offering a profound and delicate exploration of themes through its 16 tracks.

Performed by the esteemed Ars Nova Copenhagen under the direction of Tamás Vetö, the album spans a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. The sonnets, translated by James Manley, Monika Wesemann, and Susanna Nied, add a layer of poetic depth to the musical composition.

Nielsen, born in 1937, brings a wealth of experience and artistry to this project, making "Sommerfugledalen" a significant addition to his discography. The album's intricate structure and the interplay between the solo singers create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that is both contemplative and evocative. Whether you are a fan of neoclassical music or chamber music, this album offers a unique and enriching experience that showcases the collaborative genius of Nielsen and Christensen.