"Green Ground" is a captivating exploration of sound and texture, showcasing the unique compositional voice of Danish composer Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen. This album presents the world premiere recordings of works dedicated to the renowned Kronos Quartet and Theatre of Voices, conducted by Paul Hillier. Gudmundsen-Holmgreen, often described as the "Contrary Mary" of Danish music, offers an anti-expressive, anti-virtuoso, and anti-romantic perspective, challenging traditional notions of musical expression.
The album features a blend of string quartets and vocal pieces, including the String Quartet No. 11 "No Ground" and the vocal work "Green," which draws inspiration from a text in Henry VIII’s Songbook. The compositions utilize the old 'ground' technique and a famous Baroque canon, weaving independent layers of playful sounds for strings and voices, often accompanied by wooden percussion instruments.
"Green Ground" is a testament to Gudmundsen-Holmgreen's innovative approach to composition, offering a fresh and intriguing listening experience. The collaboration between the Kronos Quartet, Theatre of Voices, and Paul Hillier brings these pieces to life with precision and artistry, making this album a standout in contemporary classical music.
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