Back in stock: Modern Classical

Review: Moondog's H'art Songs stands out as a defining moment in his illustrious career, marking the first release to omit his name from the title. Recorded in his sixties, this rare vocal album comprises ten art songs that deftly blur the lines between classical and pop music. Dubbed "H'art songs" for Hardin's art, the compositions showcase a musical sophistication that appeals to both pop and classical enthusiasts. Released in 1977, this collection enriches Moondog's eclectic discography, featuring mesmerising wordplay that conveys narratives ranging from political commentary to nature appreciation, all wrapped in poetic intrigue. Moondog's unique singing style, devoid of vibrato, allows for accessibility, encouraging listeners to join in. He intentionally simplified the vocal lines, leaving the intricate harmonies to the piano, which carries the melodic weight of the songs. This album is undeniably one of Moondog's most impactful releases.

Review: In celebration of Arvo Part's 90th year, his latest release showcases the Estonian composer's continued exploration of minimalist, spiritually charged sound . Part's work has always sought to blend the sacred with the secular, and this collection of new renditions brings forward the timeless resonance of his choral and orchestral compositions. Opening with 'Littlemore Tractus,' based on John Henry Newman's reflections, the piece sets the tone of quiet, introspective change that permeates the entire work. His music, a dialogue between sound and silence, invites profound contemplation, with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under Tonu Kaljuste's direction offering nuanced, deeply attentive performances. Compositions like 'Vater unser,' showcase Part's ability to transform liturgical text into transcendent musical experience. There's an undeniable spiritual gravity in pieces such as 'Cantique des degres' and 'Sequentia,' where strings and vocals weave in delicate yet forceful patterns, revealing a steady undercurrent of renewal. The rich textures in these works evoke both a longing for and a reconciliation with the past, capturing Part's life-long exploration of sacred music's dialogue with the world. The album culminates with 'Vater unser,' an evocative reworking that brings together choir, strings, and piano, offering a meditative close to an album that is as much about reflection as it is about the continued forward momentum of Part's artistry. Recorded in Tallinn's Methodist Church, this latest chapter is a continuation of the Part-Eicher partnership that has defined so much of his career, expanding the legacy of albums like Tabula rasa and reinforcing Part's place as one of the most significant voices in contemporary classical music of the 20th and 21st centuries.