Peter Herresthal - Kaija Saariaho: Circle Map, Graal théâtre, Vers toi qui es si loin & Neiges (2019) [24/96]

Several of Kaija Saariaho’s works are named after natural phenomena that serve as a starting point to her compositional process. Composed in 1998, Neiges was inspired by various qualities of snow and explores instrumental languages and colors similar to those found in her earlier works. On the present album the piece is heard in its never-before recorded version for twelve cellos, performed by the cellists of the Oslo Philharmonic. Another source of inspiration has been medieval literature, which formed a point of departure for Graal Théâtre, the first concerto Saariaho wrote, as well as for the recent Vers toi qui es si loin (2018). Recorded for the first time here, the piece is a transcription, made for the violinist Peter Herresthal, of an aria from the opera L’Amour de loin. These two works for violin and orchestra bookend this amply filled disc, and frame Circle Map, a work in six movements for large orchestra. Permeating the work are six short poems by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, providing inspiration through their essence and vivid imagery, but also part of the musical material by way of a recording of them recited in Persian. This recording forms the raw material for the electronics included in the work, but also for much of the writing for the orchestra, for instance in terms of pitches and intonations. All four works are conducted by Clément Mao Takacs, who has collaborated extensively with Kaija Saariaho and conducted her music across Europe and in the U.S.A.

Tracklist:
1. Vers toi qui es si loin
2. Circle Map: I. Morning Wind
3. Circle Map: II. Walls Closing
4. Circle Map: III. Circles
5. Circle Map: IV. Days Are Sieves
6. Circle Map: V. Dialogue
7. Circle Map: VI. Day and Night Music
8. Neiges (Version for 12 Cellos): I. Nuages de neige
9. Neiges (Version for 12 Cellos): II. Étoile de neige I
10. Neiges (Version for 12 Cellos): III. Étoile de neige II
11. Neiges (Version for 12 Cellos): IV. Aiguilles de glace
12. Neiges (Version for 12 Cellos): V. Fleurs de neige
13. Graal théâtre (Version for Violin & Orchestra): I. —
14. Graal théâtre (Version for Violin & Orchestra): II. —

Personnel:
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Clément Mao-Takacs
Peter Herresthal (violin)