Saariaho, Kaija (1952-) - Only The Sound Remains : Sellars, Andre de Ridder / Dutch National Opera, Philippe Jaroussy, Davone Tines (2016 Stereo) - Import Blu-ray Disc

Color: Colour

Credits:

Calefax

Description:

An opera written for Jaroussky and based on the Japanese "Noh" play! A new opera by Finnish contemporary music composer Kaija Saariaho. It is based on the Japanese Noh plays "Keimasa" and "Hagoromo" and was written for countertenor Philip Jaroussky. With only two singers, it is written for four chorus members, several instrumental ensembles, and electronic instruments. The biwa is replaced by a Finnish zither-like instrument called kantele, the flute by a flute, and a number of onomatopoeic percussion instruments are used to create a Japanese sound world. The plot of "Kyosei" is that a defeated samurai appears as a ghost, recounts the battle, and asks a monk to help him mourn for the dead before disappearing. The "Hagoromo" is a well-known folktale: "One day, a fisherman finds a beautiful robe in the pine grove of Miho, but it is a robe of feathers belonging to a heavenly being. The fisherman returns the robe to the heavenly hostess, who asks him to return it to her, on the condition that he performs the "Tenjin no Magaku" (Heavenly Dance Music). The story goes that the Tennin, wearing the robe, danced the Tennyo no Mairaku in the beautiful green pine grove of Miho, with Mt.Although the story has been slightly changed, the music is mysterious, modern but pleasing to the ear, and beautiful. The production is directed by the master Peter Sellers, and the role of the nymphs in the "second part" has separate dancing nymphs and singing angels, and the dancers dance with beautiful movements. This video, from the premiere at the Netherlands National Opera in March 2016, shows "a subtle and sophisticated blend of electronics and acoustic sound that is sensual and imaginative. The baritone and countertenor are supernaturally expressive. A masterpiece meticulously staged with consummate integrity and solid stage equipment to convey a spiritual message." "Jaroussky's astonishing freedom and expressiveness! He earned his reputation as an artistic baroque singer, and here he is a virtuoso singer who demonstrates so many elements". Warner Music Japan