Dutch-British H.E.R.R. "Vondel's Lucifer, First Movement" was released in 2006. This ambitious opus put to a musical setting the first acts of Dutch playwright Joost van den Vondel's 1654 tragedy Lucifer, a centerpiece of western literary canon and one of the greatest works within Dutch literature. It took almost 20 years for H.E.R.R. to complete the second movement. And it certainly is a work of no small magnitude! "Vondel's Lucifer, Second Movement" continues in the magnificent footsteps of the first part, but not content with merely emulating the stylings of its predecessor, takes things a step further. This results in a magnum opus of evocative, atmospheric, neobaroque music full of impressive compositions rendered with lush, intricate arrangements. Michiel Spapé's soaring music is, as on the first movement, accompanied by the beautifully theatrical and expressive vocals of Miklos Hoffer and Troy Southgate who forge the play’s English translation into an exquisite libretto. "Vondel's Lucifer, Second Movement" is a grand work of art, potently evoking imagery of Lucifer's rebellion in heaven: the pride and defiance of the host of rebels angels, the tragedy of Lucifer's inevitable downfall, the bitter conflict between brothers. Moving between melancholic lamentations, prideful martial bombast and tragic paeans, H.E.R.R. manage again to capture the full grandiosity of the source material.
Tracklist:
1. By Michael spied (1:40) 2. Who dares oppose (3:29) 3. We swear alike by God and Lucifer (4:25) 4. Forward ye hosts! (3:11) 5. Take courage then (5:31) 6. The army longs, prepared (5:25) 7. O Lucifer, save thyself (5:12) 8. Stadtholder, why thus disguise thy thoughts? (2:44) 9. Advance with us! (7:16) 10. Let not his guilt be unforgiven (3:30)
Categories
