Composer: Vagn Holmboe
Works: Preludes for Sinfonietta – Vol. 2: Prelude No. 1 To a Pine Tree (1986), Prelude No. 4 To a Willow Tree (1987), Prelude No. 6 To the Seagulls and the Cormorants (1987), Prelude No. 7 To the Pollution of Nature (1989), Prelude No. 9 To the Calm Sea (1991); Sonata for Trombone and Piano (1987); Music with Horn (1981)
Performers: Jesper Juul Sørensen (trombone), Anne Mehter Stæhr (piano), Thomas Ekman (horn), Anne Søe Iwan (violin), Athelas Sinfonietta, Copenhagen / Giordano Bellincampi
Recording: Lyngby Park Kapel, 30 May-6 June 1999, 2 Sept 2000
Label: DACAPO 8.224124
Vagn Holmboe’s “Preludes for Sinfonietta – Vol. 2” presents an inviting exploration of the Danish composer’s late oeuvre, encapsulating his poignant reflections on nature and humanity’s relationship with it. Holmboe, who lived from 1909 to 1996, was a composer deeply rooted in the Scandinavian tradition, yet his works resonate with a universal clarity and emotional depth that transcend geographical boundaries. This collection, dedicated to the esteemed music critic Robert Layton, offers five Preludes along with two additional chamber works, revealing a composer who, in his later years, distilled his musical language into a series of miniature masterpieces.
The performances led by Giordano Bellincampi and the Athelas Sinfonietta are marked by an impeccable sense of balance and nuance. Each Prelude is a sonic vignette, and the ensemble captures the delicate interplay of textures with striking precision. In “To a Pine Tree,” the articulation of the strings and woodwinds evokes the imagery of rustling needles and the gentle sway of branches. The performers navigate the intricate rhythms and harmonic shifts with deftness, echoing the vitality of the natural world Holmboe sought to portray. The recording quality is pristine, allowing the listener to appreciate the timbral subtleties in the music.
The thematic exploration in these works is particularly compelling. “To the Calm Sea” subverts expectations of stillness; rather than a static tableau, it unfolds like a living organism, with each wave of sound suggesting an undercurrent of vibrant life beneath the surface. The flickering motifs, deftly executed by the strings, conjure imagery of shoals of fish and the swirl of marine flora, capturing a dynamic essence that Holmboe meticulously crafts. In contrast, “To the Pollution of Nature” presents a more somber reflection. The dissonant harmonies and stark contrasts between the brass and woodwinds evoke a landscape marred by human negligence, yet Holmboe’s writing also retains a sense of beauty, reminiscent of the lush greenery that once thrived.
The inclusion of the Sonata for Trombone and Piano and “Music with Horn” serves to further enrich the album’s thematic narrative. Jesper Juul Sørensen’s trombone plays a pivotal role in the Sonata, showcasing both its lyrical qualities and its capacity for introspection. The sonorous warmth of the trombone, paired with Stæhr’s responsive piano, creates an intimate dialogue that feels both personal and universal. Similarly, “Music with Horn” stands out for its intricate interplay between the horn and strings, where the horn’s rich timbre adds a layer of complexity, making it a compelling companion to the Brahms, Holbrooke, or Berkeley Horn Trios. The engineering of these recordings is commendable, with each instrument clearly delineated in the soundscape, allowing for a vivid auditory experience.
Holmboe’s late works, characterized by their economy of expression and profound emotional resonance, emerge as essential contributions to the chamber music repertoire. This volume not only enhances the existing discography of Holmboe but also serves as an invitation to explore the broader implications of his musical vision. The performances are not merely interpretations; they breathe life into Holmboe’s reflections on nature, existence, and the human condition. The album stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Holmboe’s music, offering listeners a chance to engage with a composer whose voice remains strikingly vital.
