Kasper Rofelt's "Dichotomy" is a captivating exploration of musical contrasts and continuities, showcasing the Danish composer's unique aesthetic. Released on April 22, 2022, via Dacapo Records, this album presents a collection of new chamber works that span a diverse range of musical characters and idioms. The centerpiece of the album is the aptly named title track, "Dichotomy," which challenges the listener by combining contrasting and even incompatible materials.
Throughout the album, Rofelt's compositions demonstrate a deep engagement with the interplay between continuity and discontinuity. The Danish Chamber Players, along with soloists Anne Marie Granau and Ian Ryan, bring these intricate works to life with precision and expressiveness. The album features both new compositions and revised versions of previous works, such as "Forward! (2020 Version)" and "Stay (2012 Version)."
"Dichotomy" also includes the extended work "Sérénade pour Ionesco (2019 Version)," a multi-movement piece that draws inspiration from the absurdist playwright Eugène Ionesco. This work, along with the other compositions on the album, highlights Rofelt's ability to blend diverse musical influences and techniques into a cohesive and engaging whole.
With a total runtime of 71 minutes, "Dichotomy" offers a rich and varied listening experience that is sure to appeal to fans of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Kasper Rofelt's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album provides a compelling introduction to the composer's distinctive voice and artistic vision.