Sandström: Sonnets of Darkness and Love

Album Description

Experience the profound and intimate final work of renowned composer Sven-David Sandström with "Sonnets of Darkness and Love," a captivating live album set to release on May 30, 2025, via ACT Music. This choral and minimalist masterpiece features the powerful vocals of the Swedish Radio Choir, the masterful trombone of Nils Landgren, and the skilled conducting of Kaspars Putniņš. The album spans 47 minutes of evocative performances, each track a testament to Sandström's unique compositional voice.

The album opens with "Full Many a Glorious Morning," setting the stage for a journey through Sandström's sonnets, each one a poignant exploration of love and darkness. Standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "My Dove," the energetic "All Night Long," and the deeply moving "Being Your Slave." The album also features a stunning "Trombone Solo" by Nils Landgren, showcasing his virtuosity and the instrument's expressive range.

"Sonnets of Darkness and Love" is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive narrative that unfolds over the course of its ten tracks. From the stirring "Awake, O North Wind" to the ethereal "A Full Moon," each piece is a vital part of Sandström's sonnet cycle, brought to life by the exceptional performances captured in this live recording. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sven-David Sandström's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a compelling introduction to his unique musical language.

30 mei 2025

2025 ACT Music + Vision GmbH & Co. KG

About Sven-David Sandström

Sven-David Sandström (1942-2019) was a prolific and influential Swedish composer whose extensive catalog spans over 600 works, encompassing a wide range of genres including operas, oratorios, ballets, choral pieces, and orchestral works. Born in Motala, Sandström's musical journey began with studies in musicology and art history at Stockholm University, followed by composition studies at the Royal College of Music. His early career was marked by modernist tendencies, but by the 1980s, his style evolved into a more emotional and neo-romantic language, captivating audiences worldwide.

Sandström gained international recognition with his orchestral piece "Through and Through," premiered at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. His works often explore sacred themes, with notable pieces including "The High Mass," a Catholic mass inspired by Bach's B-Minor Mass, and large-scale vocal works like his two Requiems and passions based on the Gospels of Matthew and John. Throughout his career, Sandström held prestigious teaching positions, including at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and Indiana University in the United States. His eclectic and emotive compositions continue to inspire and engage audiences, cementing his legacy as one of Sweden's most significant contemporary composers.