Women of History – organ music by Carlotta Ferrari
The five compositions on this album are inspired by the lives and works of five women from history. Carlotta Ferrari has composed numerous pieces inspired by historical figures as well as pieces inspired by literature and works of art. Several of these directions are brought together in the five compositions on this album, which celebrate three religious figures, an artist, and a writer. In Ferrari’s distinctive modal style, she creates expressive musical portraits of these women.
Beautifully performed by Carson Cooman, this album features the exquisite sounds of the Main Organ (Marcussen & Son, 1973) of the Laurenskerk, Rotterdam, captured through the Hauptwerk system.
Track Listing
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Carlotta Ferrari (b. 1975):
- Lady Frankenstein - I. Mary e la Creatura (4:26)
- Lady Frankenstein - II. Imparare la vita (7:59)
- Lady Frankenstein - III. L'amore (4:22)
- Lady Frankenstein - IV. La morte nel ghiaccio, nel fuoco, nel mare (3:55)
- Maria Restituta (6:44)
- Historia Gullielmae - I. Guglielma e lo spirito (5:07)
- Historia Gullielmae - II. Il volto rosso di Ciaravalle (2:26)
- Historia Gullielmae - III. I guglielmiti di fronte all'inquisitore (3:20)
- Historia Gullielmae - IV. Guglielma e Andrea (6:23)
- Historia Gullielmae - V. La santa cena di Maifreda (7:43)
- Viva la vida (2:31)
- Ecstasy (La transverberazione di Teresa d'Avila) (15:52)
Reviews
“A majestic, beautiful organ and one could hardly ask for a better recording. Cooman’s readings of the scores are impeccable in every way.
” —Colin Clarke
“Lush, velvet, alternatingly contemplative and impassioned, this set of five pieces written by Carlotta Ferrari for solo organ are high-definition musical portraits that brilliantly capture their subject’s personalities and stories. A performance that is direct, immaculate, and gives such a clear voice to the music itself is essential. And Cooman gives us just that. This set of ears and this heart is incredibly grateful for this work of art and dedication by Ferrari and Cooman.
” —Stephanie Boyd
“A set of compositions inspired by five women from history. Cinematic soundscapes and clever interpretations.
” —Freya Parr
“The five works on this album are inspired by the lives and works of famous women. The mood is gothic and sombre, a mood ideal for organ. These were all serious people, and the music reflects that, although it is uplifting in places, and it’s all atmospheric; music for reflecting on life.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Italian composer Carlotta Ferrari has composed in many genres, developing a personal language that is concerned with the blend of past and present. The five compositions on this new album are inspired by the lives and works of five women from history: a wonderfully atmospheric Lady Frankenstein, the ethereal Maria Restituta, the lovely Historia Gullielmae, a Felliniesque Viva la vida and the dramatic Ecstasy (La transverberazione di Teresa d’Avila). Highly recommended.
” —John Pitt
