Judith Embley

Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre was a virtuoso harpsichordist, as well as the author of many pioneering works. She left an abundant output of cantatas, both secular and sacred. Here the soprano Maïlys de Villoutreys, Héloise Gaillard and her Ensemble Amarillis pay tribute to her with the cantatas Judith and Sémélé, inspired by two women, who embody virtue and courage on the one hand, temerity and pride on the other. Whether intimate or more operatic, both works highlight the composer’s innate sense of drama.

Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre was a virtuoso harpsichordist, as well as the author of many pioneering works. She left an abundant output of cantatas, both secular and sacred. Here the soprano Maïlys de Villoutreys, Héloise Gaillard and her Ensemble Amarillis pay tribute to her with the cantatas Judith and Sémélé, inspired by two women, who embody virtue and courage on the one hand, temerity and pride on the other. Whether intimate or more operatic, both works highlight the composer’s innate sense of drama.

Recorded after the first London performance for over 130 years, Parry’s neglected oratorio here appears for the very first time. Having been commissioned by the Birmingham Festival, Parry decided to combine the Old Testament stories of Manasseh and Judith. A good deal of the libretto was provided by Parry himself, who took other texts from the biblical books of Isaiah, Psalms, and Judith. Having originally conceived the work in four acts, Parry condensed it into two. Judith was premiered by Richter in Birmingham in August 1888, and it consolidated Parry’s reputation as a choral composer, numerous performances following in Edinburgh and in London. Although popular in his lifetime, Judith fell into obscurity after Parry’s death.

“That A Jazz Tribute to ABBA turned out to be so extraordinary excellent is a result of the studious, professional and creative way Nijland and her band arranged the songs.” “Chapeau for this very original musical production!” “Nijland pulls it off, making “Waterloo,” “Head Over Heels,” and “Dancing Queen” sound fresh and new. Danny van Kessel proves the ideal catalyst to Nijland overt musicality. His playing is sparkling and sharp, directing the course for Nijland.” “Judith Nijland’s sophisticated ability to interpret and the striking performance of her band (…) always keep it interesting and not only shed a new light on ABBA’s work but also peek further interest in Judith Nijland’s future material.”

After a celebrated career in which she has released several critically acclaimed albums, toured the world and was praised by the likes of Annie Lennox and Jamie Cullum, Judith Owen - British singer, pianist and songwriter - has reached her creative place of happiness with her new album "Come On & Get It".