Immerse yourself in the captivating world of choral music with Philippe Hersant's "Choral Works," a collection of evocative compositions that blend ancient Chinese poetry with contemporary classical music. Released on November 25, 2005, under Warner Classics, this album spans 58 minutes of enchanting performances that showcase Hersant's unique ability to merge diverse cultural influences into a cohesive and compelling musical experience.
The album opens with a series of settings of Chinese poems, translated into French, for mixed choir and piano. These pieces, inspired by the works of poets like Li Po, Wang Wei, and Tu Fu, transport the listener to a world of natural beauty and profound emotion. Hersant's mastery of choral writing is evident in these compositions, as he skillfully weaves together the voices of the choir to create a rich and resonant tapestry of sound.
In addition to the Chinese-inspired works, the album also features Hersant's setting of a poem by Georg Trakl, "Der Wanderer," for men's choir and piano. This piece, with its haunting melodies and evocative harmonies, offers a striking contrast to the earlier works and demonstrates Hersant's versatility as a composer.
The album concludes with a pair of sacred works, including a setting of Bach's chorale "Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir" and a choral work based on Psalm 130, "Aus tiefer Not (Psaume CXXX)," for mixed choir, viola da gamba, and positive organ. These pieces showcase Hersant's ability to infuse traditional religious texts with a sense of contemporary relevance and emotional depth.
Throughout the album, Hersant's compositions are brought to life by a talented ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, who deliver performances that are both technically impressive and deeply expressive. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Choral Works" is sure to captivate and inspire you with its beauty, depth, and innovation.
