RUDERS: Four dances

Knussen, Oliver;
Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

8.226028

The only thing that qualifies these pieces as chamber works is the presence of solo strings, but in all other respects they are as large and colorful as Poul Ruders’ orchestral compositions. Furthermore, we can be sure that just about any contemporary music program led by Oliver Knussen will do the music full justice…Nightshade…is wonderfully fluent, creepy, and evocative. Ruders is often at his best exploring his darker side; this is evident in Abysm as well. Its second movement, “Burning”, is merely twitchy, but it lasts less than two minutes and the finale (“Spectre”) contains some impressively atmospheric sonorities. The music isn’t easy, but it is powerful, and it’s splendidly played and recorded. Although this is not my favorite Ruders, it’s still a substantial addition to his discography. • David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com, November 2009

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Marco Polo

05-10-2009

636943602829

BBC Music Magazine: 'Awards Finalist' (2012)