Martin: Songs of Ariel, Ode a la musique & Mass for Double Choir

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frank Martin's "Martin: Songs of Ariel, Ode a la musique & Mass for Double Choir," a captivating blend of Shakespearean inspiration and sacred choral works. Released on January 1, 2000, under the Swedish Society label, this 45-minute album is a testament to Martin's mastery of composition and his ability to weave together diverse musical elements into a cohesive and compelling whole.

The album opens with a series of pieces from Shakespeare's "The Tempest," specifically the songs of Ariel, the spirit of the island. These tracks, including "Come Unto These Yellow Sands" and "Full Fathom Five," showcase Martin's skill in setting text to music, bringing the ethereal and otherworldly qualities of Ariel to life through his compositions.

Following the Ariel songs, the album transitions into "Ode a la musique," a tribute to the power and beauty of music itself. This piece serves as a bridge between the Shakespearean settings and the sacred choral works that follow.

The latter half of the album is devoted to Martin's "Mass for Double Choir," a monumental work that demonstrates his deep understanding of choral writing and his ability to create rich, complex textures through the interplay of two choirs. The mass, with its traditional Latin text, is a powerful and moving exploration of faith and spirituality, showcasing Martin's ability to convey profound emotion and meaning through music.

Throughout the album, Martin's compositions are characterized by their lyrical beauty, harmonic richness, and rhythmic vitality. Whether setting Shakespearean text or sacred Latin, Martin's music is always engaging, always expressive, and always deeply moving. "Martin: Songs of Ariel, Ode a la musique & Mass for Double Choir" is a remarkable album that showcases the full range of Frank Martin's compositional talents and offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.