Thomas Adès: Dante is a captivating classical piano album that delves into the depths of Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy." Released on April 21, 2023, under the Nonesuch label, this album is a testament to Thomas Adès' virtuosity and his ability to translate complex literary works into evocative musical compositions. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes, the album is divided into three parts, each corresponding to a section of Dante's epic poem: "Inferno," "Purgatorio," and "Paradiso."
The first part, "Inferno," is a series of intense and dramatic pieces that vividly depict the nine circles of Hell. Each track is a unique exploration of the torments and punishments endured by the souls in Hell, from the selfish stung by wasps to the thieves devoured by reptiles. The second part, "Purgatorio," offers a more hopeful and uplifting tone, with tracks that describe the ascent of the soul through the terraces of Mount Purgatory, culminating in the Earthly Paradise. The final part, "Paradiso," is a celestial journey through the spheres of Heaven, with each track representing a different celestial body and culminating in the Empyrean, the abode of God.
Thomas Adès' interpretation of Dante's masterpiece is both faithful and innovative, blending traditional classical piano techniques with modern compositional styles. The result is a powerful and immersive musical experience that will captivate classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a fan of Thomas Adès or simply looking for a new classical piano album to explore, Thomas Adès: Dante is a must-listen.
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": I. Abandon Hope—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": II. The Selfish—stung by waspsThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": III. The FerrymanThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": IV. Pavan of the Souls in Limbo—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": V. Paolo and Francesca—the endless whirlwindThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": VI. The Gluttons—in slimeThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": VII. The Suicides—the bleeding trees—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": VIII. The Deviants—on burning sand—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": IX. The Fortune-tellers—facing both waysThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": X. The Popes’ Adagio—heads first—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": XI. The Hypocrites—in coats of leadThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": XII. The Thieves—devoured by reptilesThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. I "Inferno": XIII. Satan—in the lake of iceThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": I. Dawn on the Sea of Purgatory—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": II. Mount Purgatory—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": III. The Valley of Flowers—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": IV. The Healing Fire—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": V. The Earthly Paradise—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": VI. The Heavenly Procession—Thomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. II "Purgatorio": VII. The AscentThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Adès: Dante, Pt. III "Paradiso": Awakening—Moon—Mercury—Venus—Sun—Mars—Jupiter (The Eagle)—Saturn (The Golden Ladder)—Fixed Stars—EmpyreanThomas Adès, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale