Adriana Hölszky: Wie ein gläsernes Meer, mit Feuer gemischt

"Wie ein gläsernes Meer, mit Feuer gemischt" is a captivating contemporary classical album by Adriana Hölszky, released in 2014 on the Wergo label. This 44-minute journey through sound is performed by Dominik Susteck on the organ, accompanied by Sabine Akiko Ahrendt on violin and Jens Brülls on percussion. Hölszky, a Romanian-German composer and pianist, presents a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aurally engaging.

The album's title, inspired by the Book of Revelation, sets the stage for a sonic exploration of contrasting realities: the tranquility of a "gläsernes Meer" (glass sea) juxtaposed with the intensity of "Feuer" (fire). This dichotomy is reflected in the music, which shifts abruptly between stark, dramatic passages and moments of profound stillness. Each of the six tracks offers a unique sonic landscape, from the ominous opening of "Und ich sah wie ein gläsernes Meer mit Feuer gemischt" to the tense, erratic energy of "Efeu und Lichtfeld."

Hölszky's compositional style is marked by a keen sensitivity to the parameters of space and time, with each piece structured as a distinct "Klangraum" (sound space). The interplay between the organ's dark, resonant tones and the violin's agile, often frenetic lines creates a sense of dramatic tension throughout the album. Percussion adds an additional layer of rhythmic complexity, further enriching the sonic palette.

This album is a testament to Hölszky's unique voice in contemporary classical music, offering a challenging and rewarding listening experience for those drawn to the avant-garde. The performances by Susteck, Ahrendt, and Brülls are nothing short of exceptional, bringing Hölszky's intricate and demanding score to life with precision and passion.