Stravinsky: Threni & Requiem Canticles

Igor Stravinsky's "Stravinsky: Threni & Requiem Canticles" is a profound exploration of sacred vocal music, released on May 20, 2016, under the Phi label. This album showcases Stravinsky's late masterpieces, featuring the powerful "Threni, Id est lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae" and the haunting "Requiem Canticles." The former is a setting of texts from the Book of Lamentations, while the latter is Stravinsky's final major composition, written for his own funeral.

The album is performed by the esteemed Collegium Vocale Gent and the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, conducted by the renowned Philippe Herreweghe. The ensemble's precise and expressive interpretation brings out the intricate details of Stravinsky's complex and innovative musical language. The album also includes the anthem "The Dove Descending Breaks the Air," a choral work based on a poem by T.S. Eliot, and the moving "Da Pacem Domine," a plea for peace.

With a runtime of 47 minutes, this album is a concise yet impactful journey through Stravinsky's spiritual and musical contemplations. The neoclassical and classical genres blend seamlessly, creating a sound that is both timeless and deeply moving. Whether you are a longtime fan of Stravinsky or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a compelling introduction to his later compositions and a testament to his enduring influence on classical music.