Nørgård: Songs from Evening Land

Immerse yourself in the captivating vocal journey of Per Nørgård's "Songs from Evening Land," a mesmerizing exploration of six decades of the composer's work, reimagined in new instrumentations. This album, released in 2013 under the Dacapo label, is a testament to the extraordinary collaboration between Nørgård and Danish mezzo-soprano Helene Gjerris, who brings his avant-garde and neoclassical compositions to life with stunning artistry.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, the album features a diverse range of pieces, from the hauntingly beautiful "Two Recitatives" to the evocative "Plutonian Ode" and the tender "Three Love Songs." Each track showcases Nørgård's unique ability to delve into the deepest and most profound corners of human emotion, creating a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

"Songs from Evening Land" is not just a collection of songs, but a sonic exploration that reflects Nørgård's endless incursions and excursions through the labyrinths of sound. The album is divided into several sections, each offering a different perspective on Nørgård's musical vision. The first part, "Songs from Evening Land," features three songs that evoke the mysterious and enchanting atmosphere of the evening. The second part, "Developments," showcases Nørgård's evolution as a composer, while the third part, "Day and Night," explores the contrasts and connections between light and darkness, life and death.

Throughout the album, Gjerris's powerful and expressive voice is accompanied by a chamber ensemble, creating a rich and textured soundscape that is both intimate and expansive. The result is a musical experience that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the most innovative and influential composers of our time. Whether you're a longtime fan of Nørgård's work or a newcomer to his music, "Songs from Evening Land" is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire.