The second nocturne from 'As Above, So Below', a cycle of five Vitruvian Nocturnes for solo piano. This nocturne is a piano transcription of "Ar em al freg temps vengut" - the sixth movement from the song cycle, 'Montségur'.

Performed here by Michael Finnissy.

Michael Finnissy Plays 'Vitruvian Nocturne No. 2' From 'As Above, So Below' By Tom Armitage

Dear friends
I am sending a recording made by a friend (not the official recording) of the premiere my piece In Amore illo ardeas as played and conducted excellently by the MPO under Raoul Lay on 4th December. The date happened to be my deceased brother John's birthday, and so it is dedicated to his memory.
A short explanatory note follows, particularly for those who could not make it.
The work is based on the chant O Aeterne Deus by the 12th century mystic, abbess and composer St. Hildegard of Bingen. The title is taken from the second verse of the chant, and means "to burn with that (divine) love". The piece begins serenly with the chant. However, a sense of struggle develops, analogous to the struggle of faith even in the most saintly people. Each section in the first part raises the level of tension and dissonance further, and each sub-section is roughly a golden section of the previous one. The second part, that follows after the last climax, sort of ruminates on the previous material, but in a changed atmosphere.

In Amore Illo Ardeas

British composer and pianist from Yorkshire, living in Malta

Studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under internationally acclaimed concert pianist Philip Martin, award-winning composer Errollyn Wallen, Fumiko Miyachi and Michael Wolters. And at the University of Malta with John Galea.

Here is a place for me to share recordings of my compositions

Enjoy! x

Michael Finnissy Plays 'Vitruvian Nocturne No. 2' From 'As Above, So Below' By Tom Armitage

Tom Armitage - Composer/Pianist

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