Mark-Anthony Turnage's album, Turnage: Songs, is a profound and emotionally charged collection of works that showcases the composer's mastery of vocal and instrumental music. Released on 1 February 2008 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this hour-long album is a testament to Turnage's innovative and expressive style.
The album features a range of pieces, including the dramatic scena "Twice Through the Heart" for mezzo soprano and 16 players, which explores themes of love, loss, and longing through its nine movements. From the intense "No Way Out" to the poignant "By the Sea", each movement offers a unique perspective on the human experience.
In addition to "Twice Through the Heart", the album also includes "Hidden Love Song" for saxophone and orchestra, a beautiful and evocative piece that highlights the saxophone's expressive qualities. The "Torn Fields" for baritone and large ensemble is another notable work, featuring seven movements that grapple with the complexities of war, loss, and remembrance. With its powerful texts and soaring melodies, this piece is a standout example of Turnage's ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Throughout the album, Mark-Anthony Turnage's music is characterised by its intensity, nuance, and emotional depth. With its diverse range of styles and themes, Turnage: Songs is an album that will resonate with fans of contemporary classical music and beyond.
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, Sarah Connolly, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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, Sarah Connolly, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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, Sarah Connolly, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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, Sarah Connolly, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Hidden Love Song, for saxophone and orchestraMark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, Martin Robertson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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, Gerald Finley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: III. The Immortals (No More Jokes)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, Gerald Finley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Torn Fields, for baritone and large ensemble: IV. Disabled (Wounded)Mark-Anthony Turnage, Marin Alsop, Gerald Finley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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, Gerald Finley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mark-Anthony Turnage is a prominent figure in the world of contemporary classical music, renowned for his unique contributions to British and international music over the past three decades. Born in 1960, Turnage emerged as a leading composer in the 1980s, known for his distinctive voice and ability to swim against the tide of musical specialization. His works, which span orchestral and operatic genres, have earned him a reputation as one of the most relevant and widely-performed composers of his generation. Turnage's musical journey began with studies at the Royal College of Music under the guidance of Oliver Knussen and John Lambert. Beyond his classical compositions, Turnage has also explored rock music, once being dubbed "Britain's hippest composer." His innovative approach to composition and his ability to connect with audiences have solidified his status as a significant creative force in contemporary music.
Vinylscout
Mark-Anthony Turnage
