"Threshold of Night," released in 2008 on the Harmonia Mundi label, is a captivating choral album composed by the talented Tarik O'Regan. This collection of works, produced by Blanton Alspaugh, showcases O'Regan's striking and intense musical style, which has been praised for its intensity and captivating qualities. The album features a mix of new compositions and settings of classic texts, performed by the acclaimed vocal ensemble Conspirare, along with notable soloists such as Carr Hornbuckle, Jonathan Subia, and Kathlene Ritch.
The album opens with "Had I Not Seen the Sun," a poignant setting of a poem by e.e. cummings, and includes several other notable works, such as the three-part "The Ecstasies Above" and the evocative "Threshold of Night." The album also features Spanish text in "Tal vez tenemos tiempo," adding a touch of linguistic diversity to the collection. The album's centerpiece is the three-part "Triptych," which explores themes of loss, remembrance, and hope.
Written for Advent, the works on "Threshold of Night" aim to highlight the universal yearning for guidance and connection, making it a deeply resonant and thought-provoking listen. With a duration of just under an hour, this album is a testament to O'Regan's growing reputation as a significant voice in contemporary choral music. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply appreciate beautiful, evocative compositions, "Threshold of Night" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Vinylscout