To Zeitblom – concerto for Hardanger fiddle and symphony orchestra

Norwegian composer Bjørn Fongaard´s works, as they are known through his own recordings, have attained a special place on the international contemporary music scene. Quarternote scales, unique performance techniques on the electric guitar in combinations with tape loops and overdubs have fascinated composers and musicians alike. Anders Førisdal has submerged himself into the esoteric and inovative playing techniques and highly cryptic notation to be found in the actual scores of Fongaaard over many years. Based on this intense exploration he is now releasing the very first interpretation of Fongaards mystical scores, and thus introduces this music into the realm of performance tradition. Brian Ferneyhough, Øyvind Torvund and Ole-Henrik Moe, also contributes with hommage works to Fongaard on this release.

Available 20.02.2015

Galaxe, Op. 46

Since the formation in 2001, Norwegian ensemble asamisimasa has made new music and avant-garde its focus. In 2012 they were awarded the Norwegian Grammy (Spellemannprisen) for their debut recording 'Pretty Sound'. For the new release asamisimasa has recorded four works by composer Øyvind Torvund in Rainbow Studios – issued with a cover design by illustrator Marc Bell, who has made one artwork for each of the pieces on the recording.

Øyvind Torvund’s music has a rough and unpolished surface. At one point the composer even called it ‘raw’. He thus alludes to the fact he has not refined or purified the material. At least not in a way that usually signifies compositional craftsmanship. Instead Torvund's material speaks to us in an open manner. It is an important quality of this music and it raises some questions about its nature and about contemporary music in general. And it may even widen our listening horizon. 

01 - Willibald Motor Landscape - NOLFA1578010

02 - Neon Forest Space - NOLFA1578020

03 - Wolf Studies - NOLFA1578030

04 - Plastic Waves - NOLFA1578040

The term acousmatic sound refers to sound that you hear, but cannot see the origin of. Barrett's intention is that the removal of visual information frees the listener’s ‘audio-fantasy’. A master in electroacoustic music and digital sound manipulation, Barrett leaves few traces of familiar sounds or instruments in her music, although the audio sources often are acoustic.

Barrett’s works are performed all over the world, and she has received numerous accolades, among them the Nordic Council Music Prize (Nordic countries), the Giga-Hertz Award (Germany) and the Edvard Prize (Norway). Puzzle Wood is her 11th album release. Natasha Barrett has a PhD in composition and is a leading figure in contemporary acousmatic music.

05 Natasha Barrett - Puzzle Wood

04 Natasha Barrett - Animalcules

03 Natasha Barrett - Racing Unseen

02 Natasha Barrett - Earth Haze

01 Natasha Barrett - Little Animals

The Aurora label explores and presents important composers and artists on the contemporary music scene of Norway through profiled CD releases.

Aurora Contemporary Music

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