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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0028946512227 Label: ECM New Series Manufacturer: ECM New Series Number Of Discs: 2 Publisher: ECM New Series Release Date: April 12, 1999 Running Time: 105 minutes Studio: ECM New Series Sales Rank: 18916
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Amazon.co.uk Review: It's been six years since these same performers got together to create one of the decade's more unusual experiments in musical alchemy. Beginning with the raw materials of early music and modern jazz, the four male voices of the Hilliard Ensemble joined with jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek to see what would happen when the proper measure of old music and new style were combined, shaped by the performers' considerable experience and collective aesthetic vision. The success of that recording, titled Officium, together with subsequent concert performances, paved the way for this second effort, continuing the performers' search for artistically meaningful, musically satisfying combinations of written music and improvisatory elements. The odd title of the new recording comes from a mystical poem by Friedrich Hölderlin, quoted in the liner notes and accompanied by pictures from Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal. Officium aficionados will notice that Mnemosyne is even more adventurous in its explorations, which range farther and farther from the printed page. Musical fragments and a general outline are the starting points for several pieces. Improvisation is more frequently and freely employed, but always adheres to an agreed stylistic framework. Alongside a Tallis hymn or a chant by Hildegard, we hear Iroquois and Peruvian song fragments, an ancient Greek tune, and a beautiful lullaby by Veljo Tormis. Garbarek's tasteful improvisations are appropriate additions and inspired commentaries. The Hilliards are even better than on Officium; their awareness and sensitivity brings everything together into a truly unified expression that shows the timelessness of music and reminds us that where rhythm, melody, and musical imagination join, different styles, centuries and genres are not necessarily obstacles to compatibility. --David Vernier
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Indescribably beautiful!
I bought this CD and "Officium" some time ago and still marvel at the way the music transports me to another level! My particular favourite is the Tallis track, "O Lord in Thee is all my trust" - it is incredibly haunting and evocative, with the plaintive saxophone melody soaring away, tearing at your soul, and yet so uplifting. Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble really work well together, one complementing the other. I think you either love their musical expressions in these CDs or hate them - there ... Read More
Rating: - Garbarek? Garbage, more like
It's always instructive to see a set of ratings for a book/film/piece of music which gains five stars or one, but nothing in between. This CD is one such.
I was appalled to find that three reviewers described this music as "beautiful", and one of these said it was "the most beautiful music I have ever heard".
By contrast, Matt Gear gives it one star, with the comment "utter dross" (well done Matt). Another apt description is "How to Destroy a Magic Moment with a Sax", which ... Read More
Rating: - Alternative chillout music for the masses
I first heard this CD while listening to Classic FM, and was transfixed whilist listening to the radio in my office. If you are after a relaxing CD, that is different from all the main stream chillout albums that are produced en mass these days then this could be the CD for you. The powerful sound of the saxaphone and the haunting gregorian chants offer the listener a soundscape that is truely out of this world!! Even my Girlfriend who is a keen clubber wanted to listen to this CD after a night of partying...
Rating: - Utter Dross
I can't really find the words to describe how truly dire this music is. I'm a huge fan of sacred choral music and the gall of Jan Garbarek leaves me almost speechless.
The arrogance of anyone thinking that they can "improve" or "enhance" the music of people such as Thomas Tallis leaves me slack-jawed in disbelief. I'm sure the great Tallis would be spinning in his grave if he heard this.
I'm not sure who is worse though. The Hilliard Ensemble strike me as a very good choir, and I would certainly ... Read More
Rating: - Incoherent with pleasure, babbling ecstatic praise
Words fail me to describe this music. I had already heard and loved the first collaboration of the Hilliards and Jan Garbarek, "Officium", and it completely changed my feelings toward sacred music: before listening - no interest whatsoever. After listening - completely hooked, and embarked on a trail that led through the Baltic mystics Part, Tormis and Vasks to early music, requiems, Soeur Marie Kaerouz...
Mnemosyne has the same affective power, but it also introduces other, more modern pieces, and the interweaving ... Read More
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