Portland Public Library

Silencio

historical information

other

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Silencio

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45547074

Recorded Nov. 25-27, 1998 at the Historical Museum, Tallinn (1st-3rd works), and Sept. 10, 1999, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin (4th work)

Violinist Gidon Kremer and his ensemble, Kremerata Baltica, have tackled repertoire that ranges from Baroque to contemporary, but they seem to shine on the newer stuff. The group has an obvious ear for the music of the Baltic region, and Kremer's icy precision and passionate playing are tailor-made for the modern masters. On Silencio, Kremer delivers another stunning recording, this one featuring meditative music by a trio of composing mavericks: Arvo P̃rt, Philip Glass, and Vladimir Martynov. Martynov may be the least-known of the three, but his work marks the disc's highlight composition, "Come In!" The moving piece for violin and orchestra--which features plenty of Romantic, lyrical playing (and the occasional sound of a door knocking)--is mystical but also tender and sweet. A string orchestra arrangement of Glass's String Quartet No. 2 ("Company") is almost as intense as the original played by Kronos. A short P̃rt world premiere rounds out this disc: "Darf Ich" is a glorious piece for violin and orchestra reminiscent of P̃rt's sublime "Summa". This is a gorgeous disc you'll get lost in; another gem from Kremer. --Jason Verlinde

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