Crossings

Varpu Haavisto · Kari Vuola · Juhani Nuorvala · Olivier Messiaen

2013 · ABCD 401

Credits

Performers: Varpu Haavisto — Viola da gambaKari Vuola — Organ
Composers: Juhani NuorvalaOlivier MessiaenOlli Kortekangas

About this release

"French organ texture and modern gamba go hand in hand in a thought-provoking program, the core of which is Olivier Messiaen's organ cycle reflecting on the ascension of Christ. Kari Vuola's serenely performed work forms a kind of pair with Olli Kortekanka's beautiful Messiaen tribute, Crossing the Five Rivers (2008). In it, the transition from the earthly to the heavenly has changed to the mythical currents of antiquity, life and death The organ and the gamba are connected in a touching way. The organ is often a shadow of the gamba on its way through the currents of sorrow, pain and oblivion. Varpu Haavisto's solo gamba works enjoyably use the sparkling and darkly growling solo of Kortekanka Easter Hymn. The meditative worlds of Juhani Nuorvala's abstract solo are created by exploring pure tones and intervals, whose archaism brings to mind ancient Greece. Haavisto's dreamlike interpretation is a wonderful introduction to the album, which resembles an original prayer."
Varpu Haavisto, viola da gamba
Kari Vuola, organ

Tracks

1.Solo per viola da gambacomp. Juhani Nuorvala (b.1961)ISRC FIABA160052212:32
L'Ascension
2.I. Majesté du Christ demandant sa gloire à son Pèrecomp. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)ISRC FIABA16005236:30
3.II. Alléluias sereins d’une âme qui desire le cielcomp. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)ISRC FIABA16005246:23
4.III. Transports de joie d’une âme devant la gloire du Christ qui est la siennecomp. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)ISRC FIABA16005255:40
5.IV. Prière du Christ montant vers son Pèrecomp. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)ISRC FIABA16005267:23
6.Offertoriumcomp. Olli Kortekangas (1955)ISRC FIABA160052718:55
Crossing the Five Rivers
7.1. Acheroncomp. Olli KortekangasISRC FIABA16005283:39
8.2. Cocytuscomp. Olli KortekangasISRC FIABA16005294:17
9.3. Phlegethoncomp. Olli KortekangasISRC FIABA16005303:58
10.4. Lethecomp. Olli KortekangasISRC FIABA16005313:37
11.5. Styxcomp. Olli KortekangasISRC FIABA16005324:30