Line Tjørnhøj's enTmenschT is a haunting and virtuosic song cycle that delves into the mysterious nature of the true self. Against the backdrop of the early 20th century and the tumultuous devastation of two world wars, this album intricately weaves together the stories of four ill-fated lovers, drawing their experiences into our present times. The work, performed by Theatre of Voices, captures the essence of two of art history's most extreme and expressive artistic personalities, exploring the fear of destructive inhumanity that was perhaps founded in this era.
Through enTmenschT, Tjørnhøj opens a conversation about the human condition, filled with a major fear of the future. The album intertwines the words of the ill-fated lovers, including the romantic entanglements between Charlotte Salomon and Alfred Wolfsohn, and the complications surrounding Oskar Kokoschka's obsession with Alma Mahler. This complex narrative is reflected in the album's 11 tracks, which guide the listener through a journey of innocence, demagification, and the struggle to find authentic humanity in a world plagued by environmental destruction, refugeeism, and the divide between digital and offline selves.
Released on 19 May 2023 via Dacapo Records, enTmenschT is a serious, sophisticated, and ambitious work that has garnered great reviews. With a duration of 59 minutes, this classical album is a thought-provoking exploration of the human voice and the search for true self. The Nordic Council Music Prize-nominated enTmenschT is a testament to Tjørnhøj's contribution to expanding the field of musical expression, and her debut concert has been recognised with the honorary Carl Nielsen Prize.
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