Classical Slavery

In April of 2009, Russell released For David, a marvelous Telarc CD of works written especially for him. The range of expression is exceptional. One of the CD’s highlights is Sergio Assad’s flowing Aquarelle, which begins with astounding bursts of color. Steve Goss’ three-movement El Llanto de los Sueños (The Weeping of Dreams), inspired by the poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca, starts off dreamily, but soon becomes energetically and emotionally charged. To balance Ben Verdery’s Now and Ever, an impassioned statement against slavery, the CD ends with a trio of works by Phil Rosheger, including the sweet Lullaby to Wake Up With.

Heitor Villa-Lobos was born in Rio de Janeiro. His father, Raul, was a wealthy, educated man of Spanish extraction, a librarian, an amateur astronomer and musician. In Villa-Lobos's early childhood, Brazil underwent a period of social revolution and modernisation, abolishing slavery in 1888 and overthrowing the Empire of Brazil in 1889. The changes in Brazil were reflected in its musical life: previously European music had been the dominant influence, and the courses at the Conservatório de Música were grounded in traditional counterpoint and harmony. Villa-Lobos underwent very little of this formal training…
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Composer and pianist Walter Saul is the recipient of 24 ASCAP awards and numerous other honours. His mission as a composer is ‘to create musical icons, windows of sonic light’ which point towards Christian spirituality. Kiev 2014 reflects on Ukraine’s challenges, from the darkness of occupation towards hope and victory. The Violin Concerto is packed with numeric symbolism, while A Christmas Symphony paints four significant scenes from the Nativity. Saul’s Overture for the Jubilee explores the history of John Quincy Adams and the abolition of slavery. From Life to Greater Life celebrates the transformation to heavenly immortality, and the profound peace which concludes Metamorphosis stands witness to the inner peace granted to the composer through his faith.

Luigi Rossi (1598-1653), along with Monteverdi and Frescobaldi, were significant composers of the first half of the seventeenth century. His appreciation for the emotions of texts led him to devise a new means of expression in vocal music, which was the major part of his output. He was one of the first composers whose primary field was secular vocal music.