0608917280821

Robin De Raaff: Atlantis (Oratorio)

Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Choir, Marisol Montalvo & Mark Stone

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Format: CD

Cat No: CC72808

Release Date:  04 December 2020

Label:  Challenge Classics

Packaging Type:  Digipak

No of Units:  1

Barcode:  0608917280821

Genres:  Classical  Choral  

  • Description

    The fourth CD by the leading Dutch composer Robin de Raaf on Challenge Classic is a complex and impressive oratorio that renovates the contemporary perspective of this musical genre. 'Atlantis', which is dedicated to Pierre Boulez, was recorded live.

    Robin de Raaff completed Atlantis in the summer of 2016. The work is one that predominantly seems to progress from light to dark, with voice and instruments frequently melding into an overall sonority. That said, where the text is of major significance, De Raaff uses the voice as a lyrical element to let it soar above the orchestral timbres. To a large extent, Atlantis is based on "Atlantis", the final poem in Hart Crane's collection Bridges. Boulez,
    the last surviving giant of post-War modernism, passed away while De Raaff was working on Atlantis. "Boulez was the great proponent of modernism. The island that modernism actually was simply disappeared when he died. This is why I felt a homage would be appropriate."

    As De Raaff has the tonal focus descend more or less chromatically for each stanza, a feeling arises of a sinking movement. He also makes the feeling of sinking away below the mirror surface of the ocean musically understandable by using ever darker sounding instruments. The oratorio Atlantis is not just an argument for the use of contemporary vocal skills as an element of the entire history of music, but also and primarily a warning about stewardship of water and the future of our planet.

    Artists:
    Marisol Montalvo - Soprano
    Mark Stone - Baritone
    Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
    Netherlands Radio Choir

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. Robin De Raaff: Atlantis, Oratorio For Soprano, Bariton, 2 Harps Solo, Large Mixed Choir, And Large Orchestra - Introduction
      • 2. “Through The Bound Cable Strands...”
      • 3. Orchestral Interlude I, “And Through That Cordage...”
      • 4. “Make Thy Love Sure...”
      • 5. “And On, Obliquely Up Bright Carrier Bars...”
      • 6. “O Arching Strands Of Song!”
      • 7. “Like Hails, Farewells—up Planet-sequined Heights...”
      • 8. “From Gulfs Unfolding, Terrible Of Drums...”
      • 9. “O Choir, Translating Time...”
      • 10. “In Single Chrysalis The Many Twain...”
      • 11. Orchestral Interlude II, “Swift Peal Of Secular Light...”
      • 12. “Unspeakable Thou Bridge To Thee, O Love.”
      • 13. “One Song, One Bridge Of Fire!”
      • 14. Conclusion, “Soon, In One Violent Surge It Was Gone.”