Immerse yourself in the profound and captivating compositions of Frank Martin with his 1996 release, "Martin: In terra pax & Les quatre éléments." This album, released under the Chandos label, is a testament to Martin's mastery of choral and orchestral music, blending sacred and secular themes into a cohesive and moving experience.
The album is divided into two main works: "Les quatre éléments" and "In terra pax." "Les quatre éléments" is a four-movement orchestral suite that vividly depicts the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. Each movement is a rich tapestry of sound, evoking the natural world with a depth and clarity that is truly remarkable.
"In terra pax," on the other hand, is a large-scale choral work that draws its text from the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation and the Gospels. The work is divided into four parts, each exploring different themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. Martin's use of the choir is nothing short of breathtaking, with the voices soaring and swelling in a way that is both powerful and deeply moving.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes offers a substantial journey through Martin's musical landscape. His ability to weave together complex musical ideas with profound emotional resonance is evident throughout, making this a standout release in his discography. Whether you are a longtime fan of Frank Martin or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
1996 Chandos Records1996 Chandos Records
Tracks
Les quatre éléments: I. La terreFrank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Les quatre éléments: II. L'eauFrank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Les quatre éléments: III. L'airFrank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Les quatre éléments: IV. Le feuFrank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra
In terra pax, Part I: Lorsque l'Agneau rompit le premier sceau (And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part I: Mon Dieu, Mon Dieu (My God, My God)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part I: Malheur au peuple chargé de péchés! (Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part I: Eternel, Dieu de mon salut (O Lord God of my salvation)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part II: Sentinelle, que dis-tu de la nuit? (Watchman, what of the night?)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part II: Mais les ténèbres ne régneront pas toujours (But darkness will not endure forever)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part II: Consolez, consolez mon peuple (Comfort ye, comfort ye my people)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part II: Voici, mon serviteur (Behold, my servant)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part II: Heureux les affligés (Blessed are they that mourn)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part III: Notre Père, qui es aux cieux (Our Father which art in heaven)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus
In terra pax, Part IV: Puis je vis un nouveau ciel (And I saw a new heaven and a new earth)Frank Martin, Matthias Bamert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones, Judith Howarth, Martyn Hill, Roderick Williams, Stephen Roberts, Brighton Festival Chorus