Ensemble SYD, a pioneering force in the avant-garde music scene, presents their latest offering, "Qualities of Darkness," a captivating exploration of Baroque and contemporary musical landscapes. Released on May 26, 2023, under the Swedish Society label, this album is a testament to the ensemble's innovative spirit and technical prowess.
"Qualities of Darkness" is a 55-minute journey through a diverse range of compositions, beginning with Handel's Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325. Ensemble SYD breathes new life into this Baroque masterpiece, showcasing their ability to reinterpret classical works with a fresh, contemporary perspective. The album then delves into the titular "Qualities of Darkness," a four-movement suite that explores themes of darkness and divine mystery, culminating in a powerful rendition of Handel's Dixit Dominus, HWV 232.
Throughout the album, Ensemble SYD demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend historical and modern musical elements, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative. Their precise, expressive performances highlight the intricate details of each composition, making "Qualities of Darkness" a compelling listen for both classical music enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the avant-garde.
2023 Swedish Society2023 Swedish Society
Tracks
Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325: I. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325: III. Largo e pianoGeorge Frideric Handel, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325: IV. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325: V. HornpipeGeorge Frideric Handel, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Qualities of Darkness: No. 1, For BeholdStaffan Storm, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Qualities of Darkness: No. 2, How Dark, O Lord, Are Thy Decrees!Staffan Storm, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Qualities of Darkness: No. 3, He Sent a Thick DarknessStaffan Storm, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Qualities of Darkness: No. 4, Total Eclipse!Staffan Storm, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 1, Dixit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 2, Virgam virtutis tuæGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 3, Tecum principiumGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 4, Juravit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 5, Tu es sacerdosGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 6, Dominus a dextris tuisGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 7, De torrente in viaGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: No. 8, Gloria PatriGeorge Frideric Handel, Ensemble SYD, Camerata Nordica, Daniel Hansson
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