Name: The War in Heaven performed by Netherlands Radio Choir
Brand: Gavin Bryars

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Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

bcgbcd19

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Download code: No

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Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2014-04-11

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Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

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Standard:20

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1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Gavin Bryars

Genre GB

Modern Composition

Label GB

GB Records

Gavin Bryars is an English composer and double bassist known for his diverse range of musical styles, including jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, experimental music, and neoclassicism. Born in Goole, East Yorkshire in 1943, Bryars has been active in the music industry for decades. His works have been published on Mnemonic Publishing.

With a career spanning multiple genres and artistic movements, Bryars has collaborated with renowned musicians and ensembles such as Ingram Marshall, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Kronos Quartet, Philip Glass Ensemble, and many more. His innovative approach to composition has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.

Whether it's his mesmerizing minimalist compositions or his avant-garde experimentation with soundscapes, Gavin Bryars continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of music. His vast body of work showcases his immense talent and unwavering dedication to artistic exploration.

The War in Heaven features not only that eponymous large-scale work by Gavin Bryars for voices and orchestra, but also the very first release of music from any of Bryars' four operas, Epilogue from G. The recordings were made in the composer's presence and under his supervision. A large-scale cantata for two solo voices (soprano and male alto), half chorus, full chorus and orchestra, The War in Heaven was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, who gave the first and, until now, only performance at the Royal Festival Hall in 1993. There are two parallel texts: one in English for the soloists that sets the monologue 'The War in Heaven' by Sam Shepard, the other in old Anglo-Saxon for the chorus. The solo vocal parts make extreme demands of the singers with virtuosic passages and very high notes - here two young singers with voices of extraordinary beauty and power, Anja-Nina Bahrmann and Maarten Engeltjes, who are not in the least intimidated by such things! The performance was recorded live in the Muziekgebouw, Amsterdam.

The War in Heaven performed by Netherlands Radio Choir

Music GB