Sean Shepherd's "Shepherd: On a Clear Day" is a captivating exploration of experimental music, set to release on August 22, 2025, under the CAvi-music label. This album is a profound collaboration, featuring solo cello, two solo voices, a youth choir, and an orchestra, all coming together to bring to life the poetry of renowned German poet Ulla Hahn.
The album is divided into two main parts, each offering a unique journey through Shepherd's intricate compositions. The first part, "On a Clear Day, Part I," begins with a series of movements that evoke a range of emotions, from anticipation and forboding to the serene "Morgenlob" and the mechanical "Meccanico." The second part, "On a Clear Day, Part II," continues this exploration with pieces like "Somber," "Cheeky," and the dreamy "Very slow, dreamy," culminating in the expansive "Spacious."
In addition to these orchestral pieces, the album also includes a piano trio titled "Auf dem Meer," which translates to "On the Sea." This trio takes the listener on a voyage, from the harbor ("Im Hafen") to the sea journey ("Seereise") and finally arriving home ("Zuhause angekommen").
Shepherd's work has been performed by esteemed ensembles such as The Young ClassX Ensemble and Dresdner Kreuzchor, and the album features the talents of cellist Jan Vogler and conductor Kent Nagano. "On a Clear Day" premiered at Carnegie Hall in April 2023, and its recording is set to be released on Deutsche Grammophon/Avi-Music.
With a duration of one hour, this album is a testament to Shepherd's ability to blend experimental genres with poetic narratives, creating a soundscape that is both innovative and deeply moving. Whether you're a fan of experimental music or simply looking to explore something new, "Shepherd: On a Clear Day" promises to be a memorable listening experience.
On a Clear Day, Part I: I.Sean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part I: II. Lied der AmselSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part I: III. Anticipation / ForbodingSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part I: IV. MorgenlobSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part I: V. MeccanicoSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: VI. SomberSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: VII.Sean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: VIII. CheekySean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: IX. Die Erde RiefSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: X. Very slow, dreamySean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: XI. Lilting at first. gathering intensitySean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
On a Clear Day, Part II: XII. SpaciousSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Young Persons' Choral Academy, The Young ClassX Ensemble, Dresdner Kreuzchor, Hamburger Alsterspatzen, Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Kent Nagano
Piano Trio – Auf dem Meer: I. Im HafenSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Mira Wang, Matthias Kirschnereit
Piano Trio – Auf dem Meer: II. SeereiseSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Mira Wang, Matthias Kirschnereit
Piano Trio – Auf dem Meer: III. Zuhause angekommenSean Shepherd, Jan Vogler, Mira Wang, Matthias Kirschnereit
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