Dallapiccola: Modern Times

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Luigi Dallapiccola's "Modern Times," a choral masterpiece released on October 7, 2014, under the CapriccioNR label. This album is a testament to Dallapiccola's innovative compositional style, blending intricate orchestral arrangements with profound emotional depth. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, the album is a journey through a variety of musical landscapes, each track offering a unique blend of intensity and tranquility.

The album opens with the "Partita per orchestra," a four-movement suite that showcases Dallapiccola's mastery of orchestral writing. From the solemn "Passacaglia" to the lively "Burlesca," and the dramatic "Recitativo e fanfara," each movement is a study in contrast and emotional range. The "Naenia B.M.V." concludes the suite with a sense of quiet reflection.

The "2 Pezzi per orchestra" offers two distinct pieces, the "Sarabanda" with its slow, flexible tempo, and the "Fanfara e fuga," a lively and energetic composition. The "Variazioni per orchestra" is a highlight of the album, featuring eleven variations that explore a wide range of moods and tempos, from the mysterious and slow to the fiery and impetuous.

"3 Questions with 2 Answers" is a unique and intriguing set of pieces, each question answered in two distinct musical voices. The final question, "Molto sostenuto," brings the album to a close with a sense of resolution and finality.

Luigi Dallapiccola's "Modern Times" is a compelling exploration of the human condition, expressed through the medium of choral and orchestral music. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music and emotion, and a testament to Dallapiccola's enduring legacy as a composer.