David Lang's 2016 release, "David Lang: The National Anthems & The Little Match Girl Passion," is a captivating exploration of contemporary classical music that blends poignant storytelling with innovative composition. The album is divided into two distinct yet equally compelling parts. The first half, "The National Anthems," is a series of five movements that delve into themes of unity, hope, and resilience. Each anthem is a powerful meditation on collective identity and the human spirit, showcasing Lang's ability to craft music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
The second half of the album is a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "The Little Match Girl Passion," inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's poignant tale. This choral work, performed by four voices accompanied by percussion and choir, transforms the original story into a deeply moving musical experience. Lang's composition is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, with each movement capturing the essence of the match girl's tragic yet hopeful journey. The album's duration of 56 minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of these themes, making it a rich and rewarding listen from start to finish. Recorded under the Cantaloupe Music label, this album is a testament to David Lang's unique vision and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music.
2016 Cantaloupe Music2016 Cantaloupe Music
Tracks
The National Anthems: Our Land with PeaceDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Our Hearts Are GlowingDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Fame & GloryDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Keep Us FreeDavid Lang, Zanaida Robles, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The National Anthems: Our Common FateDavid Lang, Adriana Manfredi, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Come, DaughterDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Michael Blanchard, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): It Was Terribly ColdDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Dearest HeartDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): In an Old ApronDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Penance & RemorseDavid Lang, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Lights Were ShiningDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Patience, Patience!David Lang, Michael Blanchard, Claire Fedoruk, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Ah! PerhapsDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): Have Mercy, My GodDavid Lang, Michael Blanchard, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): She Lighted Another MatchDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): From the Sixth HourDavid Lang, Claire Fedoruk, Michael Blanchard, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): She Again Rubbed a MatchDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): When It Is Time for Me to GoDavid Lang, Adriana Manfredi, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): In the Dawn of MorningDavid Lang, Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
The Little Match Girl Passion (Version for 4 Voices, Percussion & Choir): We Sit & CryDavid Lang, Adriana Manfredi, Matthew Brown, Claire Fedoruk, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon
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