ESSENTIAL RECORDINGS
WOLFRAM BUCHENBERG - Choral Works

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WOLFRAM BUCHENBERG - Choral Works - Cantabile Regensburg - Matthias Beckert (Conductor) - 4009350835047 - Released: July 2019 - Carus CV83504

O Freude uber Freude!
Veni sancte Spiritus
Dum medium silentium
The Emigrant
O mors inevitabilis (Tombeau de Josquin Desprez)
Splendor paterne glorie
Liebes-Lied
Selig seid ihr
Aber heidschi bumbeidschi

The title track on this recording, Dum medium silentium, pretty well sums up composer Wolfram Buchenberg (b. 1962). A composer who looks beyond the words to expose the deeper meaning of the written text, and combines a modern style with a full understanding and respect of music's long and winding history, to capture and express the essence and significance of a song. And yet can also depict the childlike innocence of a "creepy" lullaby within his arrangement of Aber heidschi bumbeidschi. He combines light textures with rich and detailed harmonies to produce an a capella sound that rivets your attention. Once you've heard his strong grasp of the linear thread of music you will want to hear more.

And it seems that the Cantabile Regensburg is the choral ensemble perfectly suited for this music. The varying moods and expressive touches they apply to each and every song add to the overall impact of each one. For example, their emotive demeanour in Aber heidschi bumbeidschi is like night and day when compared to their approach to Splendor paterne glorie which includes the instrumental support of a solo violin to great effect. The ending of this song can be heard in the audio clip below. Six of these songs are world premières, and all are recorded with clarity as well as spatial perspective. Highly recommended if you enjoy choral music and are looking for something new!

Jean-Yves Duperron - July 2019