Jean Françaix's "L'Apocalypse selon St. Jean" is a captivating exploration of neoclassical and chamber music, released on January 1, 1998, under the Wergo label. This album is a profound musical interpretation of the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of St. John, offering a unique blend of spiritual depth and artistic brilliance. Spanning a duration of one hour, the album is a meticulously crafted journey through the vivid and symbolic narratives of the biblical text.
Françaix's composition is divided into ten tracks, each delving into different visions and events described in the Apocalypse. From the "Prologue" to the "Epilogue," the album unfolds like a musical tapestry, weaving together intricate chamber music arrangements that bring to life the apocalyptic visions. Highlights include "La lettre aux Sept Eglises," "Vision du Trone de Dieu," and the multi-part "Ouverture du Livre aux Sept Sceaux," which explores the breaking of each seal with rich, evocative melodies.
The album also features powerful renditions of "Visions des Sept Trompettes" and "Combat du Michel et du Dragon," showcasing Françaix's ability to convey dramatic tension and spiritual fervor through his music. Each track is a testament to the composer's skill in blending neoclassical elements with chamber music, creating a sound that is both timeless and deeply moving.
"L'Apocalypse selon St. Jean" is a must-listen for fans of neoclassical and chamber music, offering a unique and profound musical experience that resonates with the listener long after the final note fades. Jean Françaix's masterful composition is a testament to his artistic vision and his ability to translate complex spiritual themes into a musical language that is both accessible and deeply moving.
(C) 1998 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH
Tracks
1. PrologueJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
2. La lettre aux Sept EglisesJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
3. Vision du Trone de DieuJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
4. Apparation du Lion - Agneau recevant le Livre aux sept SceauxJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
5. Ouverture du Livre aux Sept Sceaux, a) Rupture des Quatre Premiers SceauxJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
5. Ouverture du Livre aux Sept Sceaux, b) Rupture du Cinquieme SceauxJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
5. Ouverture du Livre aux Sept Sceaux, c) Rupture du Sixieme SceauxJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
5. Ouverture du Livre aux Sept Sceaux, d) Rupture du Septieme SceauxJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
6. Visions des Sept Trompettes, a) Les Anges aux Trompettes et l'Ange l'encensoirJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
6. Visions des Sept Trompettes, b) Les Quatre PremieresTrompettesJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
6. Visions des Sept Trompettes, c) Les Trois Dernieres TrompettesJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
7. a) Ouverture du Puits de l'AbimeJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
7. b) Invasion des SauterellesJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
7. c) Invasion des 200.000.000 de CavaliersJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
7. d) Les Deux TemoinsJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
8. Vision de la Femme et du DragonJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: Michel et ses AngesJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: a) La Bete de la MerJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: b) La Bete de la TerreJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: c) Babylone la CourtisaneJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: d) Le MilleniumJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: e) Gog et MagogJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
9. Combat du Michel et du Dragon: f) La Jerusalem CelesteJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
10. EpilogueJean Françaix, Eva Lind, Christian Simonis, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester
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