"Media Vita," the latest offering from the prolific composer Karol Beffa, is a captivating journey through a diverse range of musical styles and influences. Released on September 16, 2022, via Klarthe Records, this album showcases Beffa's versatility and depth as a composer, featuring a mix of choral works, piano pieces, and vocal performances. The album's title track, "Media Vita," is a reimagining of Beffa's 2010 composition for mixed choir, showcasing his evolution as an artist over the past decade.
The album opens with the powerful choral piece "De profundis," setting the tone for the spiritual and introspective themes that permeate the record. "Solstice" and "Sérénade d'hiver" offer a contrast with their delicate piano melodies, while "Deux Poèmes de Guillaume Apollinaire" features the enchanting vocals of Jeanne Gérard, adding a lyrical dimension to the album. The choral pieces "Les Cités de l'oubli" and "Media Vita" highlight the beauty of human voices in harmony, while the piano works "Rocking-Chair" and "Self-Portrait" showcase Beffa's virtuosity and sensitivity as a pianist.
One of the standout features of "Media Vita" is the "Fragments of China" suite, a four-part exploration of Chinese-inspired melodies and rhythms. This suite demonstrates Beffa's ability to incorporate diverse cultural influences into his music, creating a rich and textured listening experience. The album concludes with "Self-Portrait," a introspective piano piece that serves as a fitting finale to this diverse and engaging collection of works.
Throughout "Media Vita," Karol Beffa's compositions are brought to life by a talented ensemble of musicians, including the Chœur Media Vita, Lionel Sow, and Arnaud Thorette. The album's high-fidelity 24-bit/96 kHz audio quality ensures that every nuance of Beffa's compositions is captured and presented with stunning clarity. Whether you're a fan of choral music, piano works, or vocal performances, "Media Vita" offers something for everyone, making it a standout release in Karol Beffa's discography.
Vinylscout