Immerse yourself in the profound and captivating world of Kaija Saariaho's "La passion de Simone," a monumental oratorio that stands as a testament to the composer's artistic brilliance. This chamber version, commissioned for the Melos Ethos Festival, is considered Saariaho's most significant work, making this release a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy. The oratorio delves into the life and philosophies of the remarkable philosopher Simone Weil, presented through a mesmerizing blend of soprano solo, choir, orchestra, and electronics.
Comprising fourteen stations, each track of "La passion de Simone" unfolds like a chapter in Weil's spiritual journey, from her early convictions to her ultimate sacrifice. The music, composed with Saariaho's signature sensitivity and innovation, beautifully mirrors the depth and complexity of Weil's thoughts. The performance features the incomparable Dawn Upshaw, accompanied by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, delivering a rendition that is both haunting and transcendent.
Released on March 5, 2013, by Ondine, this album spans a duration of one hour and five minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Saariaho's work or a newcomer to her compositions, "La passion de Simone" promises a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and the human condition. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the world premiere of this extraordinary oratorio, now available for your listening pleasure.
2013 Ondine2013 Ondine
Tracks
La passion de Simone: Station 1, Simone, grande sœurKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Tapiola Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 2, Simone, grande sœur - Tu as choisi de porter ta croixKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 3, Une autre que toiKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Dominique Blanc, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 4, Attentive à la souffrance des humainsKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 5, Travailler de tes mains, Simone?Kaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 6, Et puis il y a cette image, SimoneKaija Saariaho, Dominique Blanc, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 7, En sortant de l’usine, grande sœurKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 8, Dieu se retire pour ne pas être aiméKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Dominique Blanc, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 9, Savoir aimer - Dieu, pour Lui-mêmeKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 10, Se dépouiller - Et tu t’es retrouvée seuleKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Dominique Blanc, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 11, Tu as longtemps cru qu’il fallaitKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Dominique Blanc, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 12, Alors tu as choisi de te sacrifier autrementKaija Saariaho, Dominique Blanc, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 13, Lentement, tu as rendu l’âmeKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Dominique Blanc, Tapiolan Kamarikuoro, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Station 14, C’était en août quarante-troisKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Dominique Blanc, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen
La passion de Simone: Final Station, Par ta mort, tout ce que tu avais ditKaija Saariaho, Dawn Upshaw, Tapiola Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen