For the ensemble’s tenth commercial album, New York Polyphony has assembled a program of Renaissance compositions by William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons, ingeniously complemented by 20th and 21st century works composed in the same timeless spirit – often by composers with personal and collaborative ties to New York Polyphony. The album’s evocative title comes from the text of a poem by the Buddhist priest-poet Saigyō (1118–90), which is set to music by Akemi Naito on this album. The recording also features a piece by the late Father Ivan Moody (a frequent collaborator to the ensemble), a New York Polyphony commission from Becky McGlade, and a Nico Muhly work in honor of Orlando Gibbons – as well as selections from John Tavener, Paul Moravec, and Andrew Smith. LeStrange Viols is featured on the pieces by Byrd, Gibbons, and Muhly.
Sky of My Heart
Intrigued by the title and cover art, and no stranger to the preferred sonic environment of New York Polyphony, here joined by the six members of LeStrange Viols, I wondered how these performers, rooted as they are in early music repertory, would reconcile works ranging from the 16th to 21st centuries. Those familiar with these composers and artists will have their existing opinions confirmed.
Similar Releases
-
Passing Fancy: Beauty in a Moment of ChaosSonnambula, James Kennerley -
Horizons: Live at Festival PAAX GNPPaquito D'Rivera, Rolando Fernández, Andy Lin, Omar Mass, Yamando Costa, The Impossibl Orchestra, Alondra de la Parra -
Emilie Mayer: Symphonic Works, Vol. 1Alexander Melnikov, Berlin Academy for Ancient Music -
Saint-Saëns and Lalo Cello ConcertosFrançois-Xavier Roth, Les Siècles, Sol Gabetta -
RubispheresValerie Coleman, Mariam Adam, Monica Ellis, Tai Murray, Brook Speltz, Alex Brown, Blair String Quartet, Dashon Burton -
Beethoven: The Six Piano TriosCMS violinists, David Finckel, Wu Han
