Stravinsky’s Late Works Shine: Daniel Reuss & Noord Nederlands Orkest Triumph in New Album Review

In the twilight of his career, Igor Stravinsky was captivated by the principles of serialism, embracing it both as a method to refine his musical expressions and as a mental and artistic challenge, especially notable given he was in his seventies and eighties. While some critics of the time considered his work during this period to be rather severe, there exists an understated elegance and allure in this sophisticated and thoughtfully crafted music that merits broader recognition. Praise is due to conductor Daniel Reuss, whose interpretations are meticulously vibrant, enriching these compositions with dynamism and radiance.

The collection features four significant compositions. The profoundly emotional “In Memoriam Dylan Thomas” from 1954, is a detailed composition for solo tenor set to the words of “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.” From 1958, “Threni” emerges as a complex and multifaceted masterpiece, inspired by the Book of Lamentations. The evocative “Introitus” and the vigorously structured “Requiem Canticles” from 1965 and 1966, respectively, round out the main works, interspersed with smaller pieces such as a straightforward Lord’s Prayer and the intensely intellectual two-minute “Elegy for JFK.”

The performance by the Noord Nederlands Orkest is notably sharp and pristine, but it is the distinctive vocals from Cappella Amsterdam that truly captivate the listener, bringing this mesmerizing music to life. Advanced audio technology makes this new recording a standout in a genre that is otherwise not very crowded.