A Passion For John Donne

Experience the profound and intimate connection between music and poetry with Ketil Bjørnstad's "A Passion For John Donne." This live album, recorded during the Oslo International Church Music Festival in 2012, is a testament to the Norwegian pianist and composer's enduring fascination with the works of the 17th-century English metaphysical poet John Donne. With a career spanning over two decades of interpreting Donne's verse, Bjørnstad's fourth recorded encounter with the poet's work is a captivating blend of classical and jazz elements, showcasing his virtuoso piano playing and deep musical sensitivity.

"A Passion For John Donne" features a stellar ensemble, including Håkon Kornstad on tenor saxophone, flute, and voice, Birger Mistereggen on percussion, and the Oslo Chamber Choir, conducted by Håkon Daniel Nystedt. The album's fifteen tracks are live performances of Bjørnstad's musical settings of Donne's poetry, each piece a unique exploration of the poet's themes of love, faith, and mortality. From the hauntingly beautiful "A Nocturnal Upon St. Lucy's Day" to the powerful "Batter My Heart, Three-Personed God," each composition is a testament to Bjørnstad's ability to translate Donne's complex and evocative language into a rich tapestry of sound.

The album's live setting adds an extra layer of intimacy and immediacy, with the energy and spontaneity of the performances captured in stunning detail by engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug. Released on ECM Records in 2014, "A Passion For John Donne" is a stunning addition to Bjørnstad's discography, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective on the enduring power of Donne's poetry. Whether you're a fan of classical music, jazz, or poetry, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.