New Classics
This new double CD from Divine Art features original music by the acclaimed composer Jonathan Östlund, following his previous well-received album, “Lunaris”. Östlund received a BA and MA in Composition from LTU in Sweden, and has been awarded such honours as the First Prize at ‘Leicester Symphony Orchestra Composer’s Competition’, the ‘Public’s Choice Award’ at ‘Oslo Grieg Festival’, and has been selected as winner in the category ‘Most Distinguished Musician’, as well as receiving a ‘Special Mention’ at the IBLA Grand Prize. He has composed approximately 100 works, including several orchestral/symphonic compositions, a Piano Concerto and a Violin Concerto.
This latest collection of new repertoire includes works for solo instruments, vocal, various chamber ensembles, organ works, as well as works for symphony orchestra, and features top international artists and ensembles. Highlights include the three-part Folklore Fantasia, a sparkling Fantasia on Bach’s “Badinerie”, and the awe-inspiring Gate of Northern Lights. Exploring “Voyages”, we discover personal journeys, both geographical as well as introspective, and a particular memory of time, with unique events and treasured memories. The dramatic twists are interwoven with meditative passages, enthusiasm meets longing and the reflections upon the passage itself of time, in the voyage through life.
“Voyages” is similar to Jonathan Östlund’s previous album, “Lunaris”, in featuring music inspired by nature, yet in an even wider variety. Among the outstanding artists featured are cellist Alexander Zagorinsky, Alicja Śmietana (violin), pianist Evgheny Brakhman, Ksenia Zhuleva (viola), Rachael Elizabeth Cohen (flute), Walter Gatti (organ), Trio Tempora and the Orchestra of Norrlandsoperan. The music is very accessible and tonal, often full of wit and humour, and always atmospheric. ‘Östlund’s signature, like Debussy and Schumann in the great tradition, merges atmosphere, mystery, fantasy, and fairy tale.’ – Fanfare.
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