Ruders, P.: Concerto in Pieces / Violin Concerto No. 1 / Monodrama

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Concerto in Pieces (Purcell Variations) (more info)
Performed by: Aarhus Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Poul Ruders
Conducted by: Thomas Sondergard
Recording date: 23rd-25th June 2008


1.   Theme and Variation I: Vivace maestoso - 00:52
2.   Variation II: Vivace scherzando - 01:03
3.   Variation III: Parlando alla breve - 01:30
4.   Variation IV: Largo recitativo - 02:34
5.   Variation V: Allegretto capriccioso - 01:15
6.   Variation VI: Martellato feroce - 01:11
7.   Variation VII: Andante lamentoso - 01:49
8.   Variation VIII: Adagio lontanto - 02:31
9.   Variation IX: Intermezzo - 01:09
10.   Variation X: Finale fugato vivace - 03:34


Violin Concerto No. 1 (more info)
Performed by: Aarhus Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Poul Ruders
Conducted by: Thomas Sondergard
Erik Heide, violin
Recording date: 7th - 10th October, 2008


11.   I. Echi d'una Primavera - 09:12
12.   II. Ninna-nanna - 04:54
13.   III. Ciaccona d'Inverno - 04:24


Monodrama, "Drama Trilogy II" (more info)
Performed by: Aarhus Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Poul Ruders
Conducted by: Thomas Sondergard
Mathias Reumert, percussion
Recording date: 7th - 10th October, 2008


14.   Monodrama, "Drama Trilogy II" - 30:57

Reviews

Kafta versus Big Brother! (Nov 2, 2009)
Reviewer:Tym
The Danish composer Poul Ruders studied under Rasmussen, who had a "mash-up" approach of quoting earlier composers within a sonic blender to open new possibilities. These works extend that additive and subtractive style.

In the tradition of Britten, Ruders' "Concerto In Pieces" is just that; a parade of themes which let the listener learn the nuts and bolts of the orchestra. From... The Danish composer Poul Ruders studied under Rasmussen, who had a "mash-up" approach of quoting earlier composers within a sonic blender to open new possibilities. These works extend that additive and subtractive style.

In the tradition of Britten, Ruders' "Concerto In Pieces" is just that; a parade of themes which let the listener learn the nuts and bolts of the orchestra. From a note quote of Purcell, the intro thunders in glorious before breaking down into facets played by different sections in different styles. "IV" surprises with its slinky freeform saxophone in a more bluesy mode; "V" spotlights a nimble tuba; while "VI" is alive with polyrhythmic drums duelling a snakey piano. The latter movements are colder quiet musings drifting like snowflakes before surging back in one rousing finale.

"Violin Concerto" is a triptych contemplating winter. "1" uses subtle quotes from Vivaldi within its complex and restless whirl; "2" lulls into a forlorn and pensive drift, building softly; "3" uses a Schubert quote as a form around which string clusters run, hesitate, double back, stumble, and try again through the wind storm.

The epic title piece "Monodrama", says Ruders, is "all about creating a huge building in sound with the utmost economy." It is an activist's rage paced out for the long run. It is stealthy, watchful, skirting a danger that builds and stalks in return. Far from being a dry exercise in amelodic textures, it's like an exciting mental soundtrack of Kafta escaping a Big Brother fortress. A tour-de-force for percussionist Mathias Reumert, and compelling for its entire 30 minutes. Can't wait for a movie! (read more)