Composer: Vagn Holmboe
Works: To the Seagulls and the Cormorants, op. 174, no. 6; To the Calm Sea, op. 187, no. 9; To a Pine Tree, op. 164, no. 1; To the Pollution of Nature, op. 180, no. 7; To a Willow Tree, op. 170, no. 4; Sonata for Trombone and Piano, op. 172a; Music with Horn, op. 148
Performers: Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen, Giordano Bellincampi (conductor)
Recording: Recorded 30/5 – 6/6/99, Lyngby Kapel, Denmark
Label: Dacapo 8.224124
Vagn Holmboe, a towering figure in Danish music of the twentieth century, crafted a diverse oeuvre that reflects a profound engagement with folk traditions and the natural world. Volume 2 of the Preludes for Sinfonietta presents a continuation of his exploration of these themes, showcasing works completed late in his life. Written for the prominent musicologist Robert Layton, these pieces encapsulate Holmboe’s distinctive voice, rooted in the rich soil of Danish musical heritage yet blooming with modernist sensibilities. As a composer who bridged the late Romantic and contemporary periods, Holmboe’s music demands both attentive listening and a willingness to embrace its unique idioms.
The Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen delivers a performance of remarkable clarity and conviction, under the deft direction of Giordano Bellincampi. Each of the five Preludes unfolds with an inherent lyricism that Holmboe’s tonal language supports beautifully, yet the ensemble imbues these works with a vibrancy that elevates them beyond their descriptive titles. For instance, “To the Calm Sea” (op. 187, no. 9) features gently undulating motifs that evoke the tranquility of water, yet the interpretation is anything but static. Bellincampi skillfully navigates the transitions between sections, allowing the music to ebb and flow with a nuanced dynamism. The ensemble’s articulation is crisp, particularly in the woodwinds, where the intricate counterpoint is rendered with precision, enhancing the transparency of Holmboe’s textures.
In the chamber works included on this disc, such as the Sonata for Trombone and Piano (op. 172a), the performers exhibit a keen understanding of the interplay between instruments. The trombone’s rich, sonorous lines are matched by the piano’s agile responses, creating an engaging dialogue that captures the inherent contrasts in Holmboe’s writing. The “Music with Horn” (op. 148) further exemplifies this synergy; the horn’s warm timbre juxtaposes effectively against the delicate strings, crafting a tapestry of sound that is both robust and intimate. The technical prowess of the Athelas Sinfonietta is especially apparent in these chamber settings, where their interpretative choices breathe life into Holmboe’s nuanced dynamics and phrasing.
The recording quality merits particular commendation, as the Dacapo label ensures a sound that is both transparent and resonant. The acoustics of the Lyngby Kapel enhance the natural blending of timbres, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtleties of Holmboe’s orchestrations without compromising the vibrancy of the performance. Each note is captured with clarity, contributing to an immersive listening experience that reflects the care taken in both performance and production. The detailed liner notes provide essential context, shedding light on Holmboe’s influences and the historical backdrop of these compositions, enriching the listener’s engagement with the music.
The collection thrives on its ability to resonate with audiences familiar with the symphonic works of Holmboe while also serving as an entry point for those new to his music. The tonal nature of these compositions invites listeners to embrace their melodic contours, even as the subtleties of Holmboe’s harmonic language reveal themselves with repeated hearings. The individual character of each Prelude, despite the challenge posed by their thematic titles, emerges clearly in performance, reflecting the composer’s intent even when the connection between title and musical expression is tenuous.
This release stands as a testament to Holmboe’s enduring significance in the canon of twentieth-century music. The Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen, under Bellincampi’s insightful direction, provides a compelling interpretation that not only honors the composer’s legacy but also invites renewed exploration of his works. Volume 2 of the Preludes for Sinfonietta is not merely a continuation but a vibrant affirmation of Holmboe’s artistic vision, making it essential listening for enthusiasts of contemporary classical music.
