Silence Martin

Do you know Duni? Martin Wåhlberg and Orkester Nord take you on a journey of discovery of the father of opéra-comique through two of his emblematic works: Les deux chasseurs et la laitière, and Le peintre amoureux de son modèle, recorded here for the first time.

The most popular opera of Gluck might be Orfeo ed Euridice, but this one, Iphigénie en Tauride, is probably his most dramatically involving. It is about familial love and deep friendship and, as such, lacks the usual "love" music and interest. But the waters here run deep, and Martin Pearlman and his singers plumb those depths. Christine Goerke's Iphigénie is dignified, rich with expression and beautiful tone. Almost no less good is the Orestes of Rodney Gilfry, who uses his high baritone with intelligence and ease, singing tenderly when needed and explosively at other times. Vinson Cole brings grainy, expressive tenor to the role of Pylades firmly and effectively; and Stephen Salters, as the villainous Thaos, might sing coarsely, but it suits the character.

Deep and dubby ambient flow gently pulsating with atmospheric electro echoings: enter Granite. Inspired by natural rocks this opus is composed by Martin Van Rossum under his Martin Nonstatic moniker. A twelve-tracks album of smooth catchy drifts, hypnotic melodies and waves of subtle beats that contrast with lush soundscapes. Spiced-up blend of deep techno slash house, dub and downtempo, enhances clean-cut electronic rhythms and soothing rolling bass lines.