Theo Plath - Balkan Discoveries - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The six trio sonatas recorded on this CD present the largest group of Zelenka's chamber music for a single ensemble. Despite their high quality they were forgotten for centuries; they were only rediscovered a few decades ago. Our fascination for this rich and profound music has spurred us on to come closer on this CD to the special tonal language, evocative complexity, and audacious invention of Zelenka's music.

Accordionist Theo Ould describes this new album as Inchmy most personal - I had never allowed myself to feature the music of Astor Piazzolla. I wanted to raise the accordion above the cliches to concentrate on more classical repertoireInch. Theo's vocation became evident, however, when he heard Piazzolla's Libertango at the age of 6. Now, 20 years later, this Frenchman from Marseille tackles this music with fervour and exaltation through tailor-made arrangements performed alongside the Bilitis quartet and the double bass player Blanche Stromboni, as well as mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti, who appears in a beautiful and heart-warming rendition of Balada para un loco, Piazzolla's setting of a poem by Horacio Ferrer. Theo Ould is passionate about this music, inviting us to share in his enthusiasm by joining in Ferrer's Balada InchClimb up into my madman's tenderness, Put a wig of larks on your head, Fly with me now! Come! Fly! Come!Inch

Commissioned by the Japan Society in New York and the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan center in Japan, David Lang's note to a friend is inspired by the famous letter written by short story author Ryunosuke Akutagawa to a fellow writer, announcing his intention to take his own life. Conceived as a chamber opera for solo vocalist and string quartet, the work is also the perfect vehicle for singer Theo Blackmann, who brings a profound emotional weight to his performance, in collaboration with the inimitable Attacca string quartet.Content warning This recording contains references to suicide and depression, which some listeners may find distressing. If you need suicide- or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 988 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.