Inspired by the work of writers Apolilnaire, Lorca and Hardarson, Cool Black features three contrasting chamber song cycles from the visionary mind of composer Rosalind Page, performed by Halcyon.
Originally presented in performance by the acclaimed Australian ensemble, the works now come together on Halcyon’s first studio album, highlighting a mastery of poetic language, composition and performance.
Conceived and written across three years, Apollinairesongs (performed in 2002), Sonetos de amor oscuro (premiered in 2004 and winner of the 2006 Paul Lowin Song Cycle Prize), and Hrafnsöngvar (2005) evoke the changing colours of the language and landscape in poems by Guillaume Apolilnaire (France), Federico Garcia Lorca (Spain) and Hrafn Andrés Hardarson (Iceland).
As the release celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2018, it’s clear both the works and the performances have stood the test of time. Delicate, evocative, and haunting, in Cool Black Halcyon and Page have together found an intimacy that feels like no less than an encounter.
TRACK LIST
Artists: Jenny Duck-Chong mezzo soprano , Alison Morgan soprano , Mark Shiell conductor , Roland Peelman conductor, Laura Chislett Jones flutes , Diana Springford clarinet, Nicole Forsyth viola , Clemens Leske piano , Patrick Murphy cello , Genevieve Lang harp , Ben van Tienen celeste , Tommie Andersson lute, baroque guitar, theorbo , Daryl Pratt percussion , Claire Edwardes percussion , Kirsty McCahon double bass , Rosalind Page balinese gong, soundtrack
