Aaron Zigman's "Zigman: Émigré" is a sweeping, two-act orchestral journey set to release on February 2, 2024, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon (DG) label. Clocking in at an impressive 1 hour and 35 minutes, this ambitious work is a testament to Zigman's mastery of composition and his ability to craft a compelling narrative through music.
The album is divided into two acts, each containing a series of tracks that build upon one another to create a cohesive and immersive experience. The first act, "Prologue" through "Through a Window," introduces the listener to a world of longing, hope, and resilience, as seen through the eyes of an émigré navigating the complexities of a new life. The second act, beginning with "Entr'acte" and culminating in "Through a Window," delves deeper into the émigré's journey, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of community.
Throughout the album, Zigman's compositions are marked by their rich orchestration and evocative melodies. The use of traditional instruments alongside more modern sounds creates a unique and captivating soundscape that is both timeless and contemporary. The album's standout tracks, such as "One Magical Night" and "Forever," showcase Zigman's ability to convey deep emotion and intimacy through his music, while the more expansive pieces, like "My City" and "The Yeshiva in the Ghetto," offer a sweeping, cinematic quality that is sure to resonate with listeners.
"Zigman: Émigré" is a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience, as seen through the lens of those who have left their homelands in search of a better life. With its rich orchestration, evocative melodies, and compelling narrative, this album is a must-listen for fans of orchestral music and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling through sound. Aaron Zigman's latest work is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Émigré, Act I: PrologueAaron Zigman, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: ShanghaiAaron Zigman, Matthew White, Arnold Livingston Geis, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: Look AheadAaron Zigman, Matthew White, Arnold Livingston Geis, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: Dreaming Must WaitAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Huiling Zhu, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: This House We ShareAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Huiling Zhu, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shen Yang, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: My CityAaron Zigman, Shen Yang, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: RecitativeAaron Zigman, Diana Newman, Matthew White, Andrew Dwan, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: No Word from HomeAaron Zigman, Diana Newman, Matthew White, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: In a Woman's HandsAaron Zigman, Diana Newman, Matthew White, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: Yu GardenAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: In a Perfect WorldAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Arnold Livingston Geis, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: One Magical NightAaron Zigman, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act I: Our PeopleAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Diana Newman, Matthew White, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shen Yang, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: Entr'acteAaron Zigman, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: Light a FlameAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Diana Newman, Huiling Zhu, Matthew White, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shen Yang, Andrew Dwan, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: The Song HomeAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Huiling Zhu, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shen Yang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: You Cannot Deny My LoveAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: And Another DayAaron Zigman, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: ForeverAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Arnold Livingston Geis, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: Once Upon a NightAaron Zigman, Diana Newman, Matthew White, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: Where Is My Father?Aaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Huiling Zhu, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shen Yang, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: The Yeshiva in the GhettoAaron Zigman, Arnold Livingston Geis, Andrew Dwan, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: Nowhere to GoAaron Zigman, Diana Newman, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu
Émigré, Act II: Through a WindowAaron Zigman, Meigui Zhang, Matthew White, Arnold Livingston Geis, Shen Yang, Members of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, Lanzhou Concert Hall Choir, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Long Yu