Dive into the avant-garde world of Matthias Pintscher with his captivating album "Pintscher: Nemeton," released on October 15, 2021, under the Alpha Classics label. This two-disc set offers an immersive journey through a collection of contemporary classical works, each showcasing Pintscher's unique compositional voice and his mastery as a conductor.
The album spans a generous 2 hours and 30 minutes, featuring a diverse range of pieces that highlight various instrumental combinations and soloists. From the intricate solo percussion work "Nemeton" to the hauntingly beautiful "Lieder und Schneebilder" for soprano and piano, Pintscher's compositions are both technically demanding and deeply expressive.
The ensemble performances are led by the renowned Ensemble InterContemporain, with soloists such as Victor Hanna on percussion, Yeree Suh on violin, and Dimitri Vassilakis on horn, among others. The album also includes electronic elements, as heard in "Verzeichnete Spur," adding a modern twist to the classical ensemble setting.
Pintscher's works often explore themes of nature, mythology, and the human condition, and this album is no exception. The title track, "Nemeton," takes its inspiration from ancient Celtic sacred spaces, while "Sonic Eclipse" delves into celestial phenomena, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both evocative and intellectually stimulating.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of contemporary classical music or a curious newcomer, "Pintscher: Nemeton" offers a compelling exploration of one of today's most innovative composers. The album's thoughtful programming and exceptional performances make it a standout release in the avant-garde genre.
2021 Alpha Classics / Outhere Musique France2021 Ensemble intercontemporain & Radio France & Alpha Classics
Tracks
Nemeton for Solo PercussionMatthias Pintscher, Victor Hanna, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Mar'eh for Violin and EnsembleMatthias Pintscher, Diego Tosi, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Verzeichnete Spur, for Double Bass, Three Cellos, Instruments and Live ElectronicsMatthias Pintscher, Nicolas Crosse, Ensemble Ulysses, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Nur for Solo Piano and Ensemble: I. Lightly, FloatingMatthias Pintscher, Dimitri Vassilakis, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Nur for Solo Piano and Ensemble: II. Sospeso, sospirandoMatthias Pintscher, Dimitri Vassilakis, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Nur for Solo Piano and Ensemble: III. Erratico, con durezzaMatthias Pintscher, Dimitri Vassilakis, Ensemble Intercontemporain
beyond (A System of Passing) for Flute SoloMatthias Pintscher, Sophie Cherrier, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: I. (…)Matthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: I. I will wade outMatthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: II. To stand -AloneMatthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: III. Erstes SchneebildMatthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: IV. The Moon is Hiding in Her HairMatthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: V. Lady of SilenceMatthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Lieder und Schneebilder, for Soprano and Piano: VI. Zweites SchneebildMatthias Pintscher, Yeree Suh, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Sonic Eclipse: I. Celestial Object I, for Solo Trumpet and EnsembleMatthias Pintscher, Clément Saunier, Jean-Christophe Vervoitte, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Sonic Eclipse: II. Celestial Object II, for Solo horn and EnsembleMatthias Pintscher, Clément Saunier, Jean-Christophe Vervoitte, Ensemble Intercontemporain
Sonic Eclipse: III. Occultation, for Solo Horn, Solo Trumpet and EnsembleMatthias Pintscher, Clément Saunier, Jean-Christophe Vervoitte, Ensemble Intercontemporain