David Lang, known for his innovative and thought-provoking compositions, presents "Again & Again," a captivating exploration of sound and emotion released on October 19, 2018, under Gramola Records. This album is a unique blend of free jazz, offering a fresh and unconventional listening experience that spans just under an hour.
"Again & Again" is a profound interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl," woven into a series of 15 passionate movements. Lang's work is a testament to his ability to transform a classic tale into a modern musical narrative, each track building on the last to create a cohesive and engaging journey. The album opens with "First Snow" and "Das kleine Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern," setting the stage for the poignant journey that follows.
The centerpiece of the album is "The Little Match Girl Passion," a sequence of 15 tracks that delve deep into the story's emotional core. Lang's composition is both haunting and beautiful, with each movement offering a new perspective on the tale. The album also includes traditional carols like "The Lamb" and "Lullay My Liking," adding a layer of familiarity and warmth to the overall experience.
Lang's mastery of free jazz is evident throughout "Again & Again." The album's improvisational nature allows for a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion that is both captivating and deeply moving. Whether you're a longtime fan of David Lang or new to his work, "Again & Again" is an album that demands attention and rewards repeated listening.
2017 Gramola Records2017 Gramola Records
Tracks
First SnowBo Holten, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
Das kleine Mädchen mit den SchwefelhölzernHans Christian Andersen, Maria Happel
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 1, Come, DaughterDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 2, It Was Terribly ColdDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 3, Dearest HeartDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 4, In an Old ApronDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 5, Penance and RemorseDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 6, Lights Were ShiningDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 7, Patience, Patience!David Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 8, Ah! PerhapsDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 9, Have Mercy, My GodDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 10, She Lighted Another MatchDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 11, From the Sixth HourDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 12, She Again Rubbed a MatchDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 13, When It Is Time for Me to GoDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 14, In the Dawn of MorningDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The Little Match Girl Passion: No. 15, We Sit and CryDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
The LambJohn Tavener, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
AgainDavid Lang, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
Lullay My Liking, Op. 34 No. 2Gustav Holst, Company of Music, Johannes Hiemetsberger
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