Christopher Rouse's "Rouse: Seeing & Kabir Padavali" is a captivating classical album released on September 4, 2015, under the Naxos label. This album is a unique blend of Rouse's original compositions and traditional Indian poetry set to music, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
The album opens with "Seeing," a piano concerto that draws inspiration from the works of Schumann and Skip Spence, showcasing Rouse's ability to weave together disparate influences into a cohesive and powerful piece. The concerto is followed by "Kabir Padavali," a collection of songs based on the poetry of the 15th-century Indian mystic Kabir. These songs are performed by the renowned mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, accompanied by the orchestra I Barocchisti under the direction of Diego Fasolis. The poetry, set to music by Rouse, explores themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition, providing a profound and introspective journey.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a testament to Rouse's compositional prowess and his ability to blend different musical traditions into a harmonious whole. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply looking to explore new musical territories, "Rouse: Seeing & Kabir Padavali" is an album that promises to engage and inspire.