Saariaho: Émilie Suite, Quatre instants & Terra memoria

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kaija Saariaho's "Saariaho: Émilie Suite, Quatre instants & Terra memoria," a mesmerizing collection of contemporary classical works released in 2015 under the Ondine label. This album is a testament to Saariaho's unique compositional voice, blending opera and vocal elements with orchestral and chamber music to create a rich, evocative soundscape.

The album opens with "Quatre instants," a four-movement song cycle that explores a range of human emotions, from anticipation to resonance. Performed by the renowned soprano Karen Vourc'h and the Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg under the direction of Marko Letonja, this piece showcases Saariaho's ability to craft intricate, expressive melodies that resonate deeply with the listener.

Next, the string quartet "Terra memoria" takes center stage, offering a masterful 15-minute exploration of texture and timbre. This piece, performed by an unnamed string quartet, is a testament to Saariaho's skill in creating compelling, atmospheric music with just four instruments.

The final work on the album is "Émilie Suite," a 25-minute orchestral suite based on Saariaho's monodrama opera "Émilie." This dramatic work tells the story of a true historical character, and the suite captures the essence of the opera in a condensed, orchestral format. The Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg and Marko Letonja bring this powerful music to life, demonstrating Saariaho's ability to create compelling narratives through sound.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a substantial exploration of Saariaho's musical world. Whether you're a longtime fan of contemporary classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the work of one of the most original compositional voices of our time.