In the hauntingly beautiful realm where ancient texts meet contemporary composition, Gregory Rose presents "Danse macabre," a captivating exploration of life, death, and the inevitable dance that binds them. Released in 2015 under the Toccata Classics label, this avant-garde, neoclassical masterpiece is a testament to Rose's unique vision and profound musicality.
Inspired by the chilling sixteenth-century painting by Bernt Notke in the Niguliste Church of Tallinn, Estonia, "Danse macabre" is a musical journey through the macabre dance of death, where no one, regardless of status, can escape its grasp. Rose masterfully sets medieval German texts to his original, fresh compositions, creating a stark and absorbing musical experience that is both timeless and contemporary.
The album is a rich tapestry of arias, choruses, and dances, performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Chamber Ensemble under Rose's own direction. With 28 tracks spanning a full hour, "Danse macabre" is a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the themes of mortality and the human condition.
From the haunting "Requiem aeternam" to the dramatic "Dies irae," and the eerie "Pie Jesu," each track is a testament to Rose's ability to blend historical context with modern musical sensibilities. The album's unique structure, with its interweaving of songs, dances, and choral pieces, creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that is as thought-provoking as it is musically satisfying.
"Danse macabre" is not just an album; it's a profound exploration of the human experience, a testament to Gregory Rose's artistic vision, and a stunning addition to the world of avant-garde, neoclassical music. Whether you're a fan of choral music, neoclassical compositions, or simply appreciate a well-crafted musical experience, "Danse macabre" is an album that demands your attention and rewards your listening.
Tracks
Danse macabre: I. Dance 1: ProcessionalGregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: II. Requiem aeternam (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: III. Song 1 (The Preacher from the Pulpit)Gregory Rose, Henry Tisma, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: IV. Death Song I: Death to all - Kyrie eleison (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: V. Dance 2Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: VI. Death Song 2: Death to the PopeGregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: VII. Song 2 (The Pope)Gregory Rose, Raul Mikson, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: VIII. Tract: Absolve Domine (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: IX. Death Song 3: Death answers the PopeGregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: X. Dance 3Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XI. Sequence: Dies irae (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XII. Song 3 (The Emperor)Gregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Olari Viikholm, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XIII. Offertory: Domine, Jesu Christe (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XIV. Death Song 4: Death to the EmperorGregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XV. Dance 4Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XVI. Song 4 (The Empress)Gregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Kristine Muldma, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XVII. Sanctus (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XVIII. Death Song 5: Death to the EmpressGregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XIX. Dance 5Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XX. Song 5 (The Cardinal)Gregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XXI. Death Song 6: Death to the CardinalGregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XXII. Song 6 (The King)Gregory Rose, Andreas Väljamäe, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XXIII. Communion: Lux aeterna (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XXIV. Death Song 7: Death to the King and AllGregory Rose, Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XXV. Dance 6Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Danse macabre: XXVI. In Paradisum (Chorus)Gregory Rose, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
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