Gordon Kampe's album "Arien/Zitronen" is a captivating journey through contemporary classical music, showcasing his unique compositional voice and diverse musical palette. Released on November 10, 2017, under the label col legno, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album features a variety of works, each with its own distinct character and instrumentation. The centerpiece is the four-part "Arien/Zitronen" for voice and large ensemble, which explores a range of emotions and narratives through its operatic and song-like structures. The "Knapp" series, performed by a quartet of contrabass clarinet, baritone saxophone, trombone, and cello, delves into more intimate and textural soundscapes, with pieces like "Schlimm und dumpf" and "Tanzen" highlighting the ensemble's expressive capabilities.
Orchestral works such as "Drei Stücke für Orchester" and "Zwerge" demonstrate Kampe's skill in crafting dynamic and engaging pieces for larger ensembles, while "Le cœur de la Grenoüille" for 28-voice choir showcases his ability to create intricate and captivating choral textures. The album concludes with "Moritaten und Sentimentales," a piece that combines elements of traditional and contemporary styles, performed by a sextet of trumpet, trombone, drums, electric guitar, cello, and piano.
Throughout "Arien/Zitronen," Gordon Kampe's compositions reveal a deep understanding of both traditional and modern musical techniques, resulting in a compelling and thought-provoking collection of works. This album is a testament to Kampe's artistic vision and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
