Dive into the captivating world of Mark-Anthony Turnage's "Turnage: Songs," a compelling collection of orchestral and vocal works that showcases the composer's unique ability to blend dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty. Released on February 1, 2008, under the London Philharmonic Orchestra label, this album is a testament to Turnage's evocative storytelling and masterful composition skills.
The centerpiece of the album is "Twice Through the Heart," a dramatic scena for mezzo-soprano and 16 players, divided into nine intricate movements. Each segment unfolds like a scene from a gripping opera, exploring themes of love, loss, and introspection. The piece is followed by "Hidden Love Song," a hauntingly beautiful work for saxophone and orchestra, and "The Torn Fields," a profound seven-part composition for baritone and large ensemble. This latter work delves into themes of war, loss, and the human condition, culminating in a poignant reflection on aftermath and remembrance.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes, "Turnage: Songs" offers a rich and immersive listening experience. Mark-Anthony Turnage's distinctive voice and innovative approach to composition make this album a standout in contemporary classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Turnage's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2008 London Philharmonic Orchestra Ltd2008 LPO
Tracks
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: I. No Way OutMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: II. Inside (part 1)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: III. LoveMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: IV. By the SeaMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: V. Inside (part 2)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: VI. Four WallsMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: VII. InterludeMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: VIII. LandslideMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Twice Through the Heart, Dramatic scena for mezzo soprano and 16 players: IX. China CupMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
Hidden Love Song, for saxophone and orchestraMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Martin Robertson
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: I. PrologueMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: II. A son (Loss)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: III. The Immortals (No More Jokes)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: IV. Disabled (Wounded)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: V. InterludeMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: VI. When you see millions of the mouthless dead (The Mouthless Dead)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: VII. Everyone Sang (Aftermath)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerald Finley