Large-scale sacred works might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of contemporary music, but a number of important composers are creating expansive works inspired by their concept of a higher power.
Hosted by Seth Boustead
Produced by Jesse McQuarters
John Adams: When Herod Heard fr. El Niño
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin/Nagano; Theatre of Voices; London
Voices; Willard White, bass-baritone
Nonesuch 79634
2:30
Arvo Pärt: Adam’s Lament (excerpt)
Sinfonietta Riga, Latvian Radio Choir, Vox Clamantis/Tõnu Kaljuste
ECM 2225
7:56
Kaija Saariaho: La Passion de Simone (excerpts)
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra & Tapiola Chamber Choir/Esa-Pekka Salonen; Dawn Upshaw, soprano
Ondine 1217
14:15
Richard Einhorn: The Origin
Voyage of the Beagle
Annie’s Memorial
A Taste for Collecting Beetles
Kitka Vocal Ensemble
15:03
Phil Kline: Kyrie fr. John the Revelator
Lionheart Vocal Ensemble
Canteloupe 21047
3:03
John Tavener: The Whale (excerpt)
London Sinfonietta/David Atherton
EMI 08635
3:58