Mátyás Seiber's "A Cappella" is a captivating journey through a diverse range of musical traditions and compositions, all united by the absence of instrumental accompaniment. Released on February 1, 2014, under SOMM Recordings, this album offers a rich tapestry of vocal music that spans various cultural and stylistic influences.
The album opens with a collection of six Yugoslav folksongs, beautifully arranged and performed, showcasing Seiber's ability to capture the essence of traditional melodies. This is followed by three Hungarian folksongs, each one a gem that highlights the rhythmic and harmonic intricacies of Hungarian folk music.
Seiber's compositions are also prominently featured, including the "Missa brevis," a concise yet profound setting of the Latin Mass, and the "3 Nonsense Songs," which bring a playful and whimsical touch to the album. The "2 Madrigals" and "3 Madrigals on Themes from the Folklore of Eastern Jews" further demonstrate Seiber's versatility and his deep connection to various musical traditions.
The album concludes with the "3 Graces" and "2 Schweinekarbonaden (2 Pork Chops)," adding a final layer of complexity and depth to this already rich musical experience. With a duration of one hour, "A Cappella" is a testament to Mátyás Seiber's enduring legacy as a composer and arranger, offering listeners a profound and engaging exploration of vocal music.
(C) 2014 SOMM Recordings(P) 2014 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
6 Yugoslav Folksongs: No. 1, The Unfaithful LoverMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
6 Yugoslav Folksongs: No. 2, Handsome MirkoMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
6 Yugoslav Folksongs: No. 3, Eighteen Shining ButtonsMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
6 Yugoslav Folksongs: No. 4, Heaven AboveMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
6 Yugoslav Folksongs: No. 5, HussarsMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
6 Yugoslav Folksongs: No. 6, Fairy TaleMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Hungarian Folksongs: No. 1, The Handsome ButcherMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Hungarian Folksongs: No. 2, Apple, appleMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Hungarian Folksongs: No. 3, The Old WomanMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Soldiers' Songs: Spring (Tavasz)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Soldiers' Songs: Farewell (Bucsu)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Missa brevis: KyrieMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Missa brevis: Gloria (Plainsong)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Missa brevis: Credo (Plainsong)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Missa brevis: SanctusMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Missa brevis: BenedictusMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Missa brevis: Agnus DeiMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
SirmioMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
2 Madrigals: No. 1, Gespenst (Ghost)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
2 Madrigals: No. 2, Das Problem (The Problem)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Nonsense Songs: No. 1, There Was Old Lady of FranceMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Nonsense Songs: No. 2, There Was an Old Person of CromerMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Nonsense Songs: No. 3, There Was an Old Man in a TreeMátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Madrigals on Themes from the Folklore of Eastern Jews: No. 1, Soldier's FarewellErich Itor Kahn, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Gloria in ExcelsisAlan Gibbs, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
Media vita in morte sumusZoltán Kodály, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Graces: No. 1, —Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Graces: No. 2, —Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
3 Graces: No. 3, —Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
2 Schweinekarbonaden (2 Pork Chops)Mátyás Seiber, Choir of the 21st Century, Howard Williams
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