Special offer. Geoffrey Gordon: Mythologies and Mad Songs
Dimitri Mestdag, Laurent Ben Slimane, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
With luminous, sizzling performances by the BBC Scottish Symphony and the Philharmonia, it ’s a feast of musical story telling.
Special offer. Geoffrey Gordon: Mythologies and Mad Songs
Dimitri Mestdag, Laurent Ben Slimane, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Purchase product
With luminous, sizzling performances by the BBC Scottish Symphony and the Philharmonia, it ’s a feast of musical story telling.
About
"Mythologies and Mad Songs" explores the nuanced compositions of American composer Geoffrey Gordon, in a thoughtfully-crafted selection performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestras, conducted by Martyn Brabbins. The album opens with "PUCK - fleeing from the dawn," an overture marked by captivating intensity, introducing Gordon's signature elements of passionate melody and refined orchestration. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, led by Brabbins, brings these compositions to life, creating a tapestry of dark and luminous musical expressions. Dimitri Mestdag's cor anglais adds an unnerving layer in "Mad Song,” a new sonority further explored in the following "ICE - aut inveniam viam aut faciam," showcasing Gordon's adept handling of sonic textures. The journey concludes with "Prometheus," a bass clarinet concerto after Franz Kafka, featuring bass clarinettist Ben Slimane and the Philharmonia. Geoffrey Gordon's remarkable contributions to contemporary music, characterised by infectious style and sonic experimentation, resonate throughout the album. In "Mythologies and Mad Songs," Gordon's music invites listeners on a reflective journey, where myth and melody converge in a harmonious dance. The album promises a symphonic exploration that captivates and challenges, leaving its own unique dent on the canvas of modern classical music.
Contents and tracklist
- Dimitri Mestdag
- BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
- Martyn Brabbins
- Laurent Ben Slimane
- Philharmonia Orchestra
- Martyn Brabbins
Awards and reviews
September 2024
With luminous, sizzling performances by the BBC Scottish Symphony and the Philharmonia, it ’s a feast of musical story telling.
August 2024
Although Gordon’s tonal language is unambiguously modern, there’s a definite romantic streak here, as well as a Berlioz-like relish for the sound and physical impact of a full orchestra.
June 2024
the standard here is wonderfully high – no doubt helped in great part by the lucid and intelligent conducting of Martyn Brabbins… This is a disc of serious music seriously well-played with engineering and presentation to match. Another fine release from Orchid Classics… Feathers in caps all round.