Angels & Demons - Andrew Von Oeyen - Audio CD (Arrives in 50 days)

“I have long imagined a recital program dedicated to the opposing themes of heaven and hell, spiritual and corporal, saints and sinners,” writes pianist Andrew von Oeyen of his album Angels and Demons.

Combining works conceived for solo keyboard with transcriptions of music from the orchestral, operatic and choral repertoires, von Oeyen takes the ‘angelic’ route with Bach (transcribed in one instance by Busoni), Debussy, Fauré and Messiaen, and the ‘demonic’ route with Liszt, Saint-Saëns and Edward MacDowell.

“For Angels and Demons , I have brought together works of both divine and demonic inspiration from keyboard, orchestral, operatic and choral music spanning three centuries,” continues Andrew von Oeyen. “These ten works range from sacred to secular, ascetic to hedonistic, mystical to theatrical and solemn to satirical ... Angels and Demons goes beyond mere contrasts, it explores the timeless human endeavour to find meaning in the midst of seemingly extreme and opposing forces.”

As he leads the listener on “a journey into the darkest corners of human emotion, but also towards rapture and catharsis,” the American-born pianist proves an assured and inspiring guide. After all, in the words of the Chicago Tribune, “He leaves you convinced that he can do absolutely anything he likes with a keyboard.”

Tracklist

1. Bach/Busoni: 18 Chorale Preludes: No. 9: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, Bwv 659a
2. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Allemande
3. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Courante
4. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Sarabande
5. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Gavotte
6. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Bourree
7. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Loure
8. J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 In G Major, Bwv 816 - Gigue
9. Edward Macdowell: First Modern Suite Op. 10, V. Rhapsodie: In Ritmo Tenebre
10. Franz Liszt: Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514
11. Claude Debussy: Suite Bergamasque L. 75. Iii. Clair De Lune
12. J. S. Bach: Concerto In D Minor, Bwv 974: Ii. Adagio
13. Camille Saint-Saens: Samson Et Dalila, Op.47, Act 3: Danse Bacchanale (Transcribed)
14. Edward Macdowell: 2 Fantasiestucke Op. 17, No. 2. Hexentanz
15. Olivier Messiaen: Vingt Regards Sur L'enfant Jesus, No. 20 - Regard De L'eglise D Amour
16. Gabriel Faure: Requiem, Op. 48: Vii. In Paradisum (Transcr. von Oeyen For Piano)

Label: Plg | Origin: Holland