Description
Lebanese-American tenor Karim Sulayman makes his solo recording debut with Songs of Orpheus, a traversal of the Orpheus myth heard through musical interpretations of Monteverdi and his 17th century compatriots. Sulayman is accompanied by leading baroque interpreters Jeannette Sorrell and Apollo's Fire.
'I Love You to Hell and Back': Karim Sulayman's neat encapsulation of the Orpheus myth infuses his solo recording debut, Songs of Orpheus. Orpheus famously followed his deceased beloved Eurydice to the gates of Hades in an attempt to bring her back to life. He was thwarted by the Gods who forbade him to gaze at her during their journey back to earth. The tale has been told in numerous musical interpretations including those of Monteverdi and his 17th-century compatriots Brunelli, Caccini, Cima, D'India, Landi and Merula, who are all represented on this imaginative album.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
Songs of Orpheus won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album, 2019.
"the soloists and instrumentalists are first class" – BBC Music Magazine (on Sephardic Journey, AV 2361)
"an absorbing collection of early music, beautifully performed by the Cleveland-based instrumental-choral ensemble and vocal soloists." – Chicago Tribune, Best Classical Albums of 2016 (on Sephardic Journey, AV 2361)