Nancy Van de Vate's "Music from 6 Continents: An American Essay" is a captivating journey through the diverse musical landscapes of the world, with a special focus on American themes. Released on November 1, 2011, under the Vienna Modern Masters label, this album spans a rich duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, offering a profound exploration of cultural and musical expressions.
The album opens with the dynamic "Piano Concerto," showcasing Van de Vate's mastery of classical composition through its three movements: Allegro, Adagio, and Allegro con fuoco. Following this, the "Adagio and Rondo" provides a serene contrast, blending introspective and lively elements seamlessly.
The second half of the album delves into "An American Essay," a five-part suite that paints a vivid musical portrait of the United States. Each movement—from the bustling "City of Ships" to the reflective "To the East and to the West"—captures the essence of different American landscapes and experiences. The suite concludes with "The Sobbing of the Bells," a poignant piece that leaves a lasting impression.
Complementing these larger works are standalone pieces like "The Pond" and "How Fares the Night," which add depth and variety to the album. Van de Vate's compositions are marked by their lyrical beauty and technical sophistication, making this album a treasure trove for lovers of contemporary classical music. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of the concerto or the intimate storytelling of the essays, "Music from 6 Continents: An American Essay" is a testament to Nancy Van de Vate's artistic vision and her ability to bridge musical traditions from around the globe.
2011 Vienna Modern Masters2011 Vienna Modern Masters
Tracks
Piano Concerto: I. AllegroNancy Van de Vate, Makiko Hirashima, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla
Piano Concerto: II. AdagioNancy Van de Vate, Makiko Hirashima, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla
Piano Concerto: III. Allegro con fuocoNancy Van de Vate, Makiko Hirashima, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla
Adagio and Rondo: AdagioNancy Van de Vate, Joanna Kawalla, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla
Adagio and Rondo: RondoNancy Van de Vate, Joanna Kawalla, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla
The PondNancy Van de Vate, Chorus Soranus, Knud Vad
How Fares the NightNancy Van de Vate, Joanna Kawalla, Silesian University Choir, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla
An American Essay: No. 1, City of ShipsNancy Van de Vate, Chorus Soranus, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla, Ule Stovring-Larsen, Christine Marstrand, Lotte Hovman
An American Essay: No. 2, Long, Too Long, O LandNancy Van de Vate, Chorus Soranus, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla, Ule Stovring-Larsen, Christine Marstrand, Lotte Hovman
An American Essay: No. 3, Patroling BarnegatNancy Van de Vate, Chorus Soranus, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla, Ule Stovring-Larsen, Christine Marstrand, Lotte Hovman
An American Essay: No. 4, To the East and to the WestNancy Van de Vate, Chorus Soranus, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla, Ule Stovring-Larsen, Christine Marstrand, Lotte Hovman
An American Essay: No. 5, The Sobbing of the BellsNancy Van de Vate, Chorus Soranus, Koszalin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Szymon Kawalla, Ule Stovring-Larsen, Christine Marstrand, Lotte Hovman