Siri Torjesen - Die 7.Himmelsrichtung (2010)

Quiet, meditative expression combined with modern musical language—what does that sound like? And what makes Thomas Kingo's familiar hymn text "The Sun Arises Now in Light and Glory" so compatible with a variety of folk melodies? The music on this CD covers a broad spectrum—from the authentic simplicity of a folk melody to the complexity of modern music and its challenge to conventional listening. The works included on Die 7. Himmelsrichtung (The 7th Cardinal Point) are contemplative, introspective, lingering. The title alludes to the wisdom tradition of Australia's indigenous people, which speaks of seven cardinal points: north, south, east, and west, upward and downward, and inward. The theme of lingering and inwardly directed listening is realized in different ways—as meditations on and arrangements of folk tunes, as modern expression in ritual repetition, and as melodies on one tone.

The music on this CD was written by Edvin Østergaard between 1999 and 2006. As a whole, the pieces present a nuanced image of the composer's gift of musical expression and exploration. The four works were written for three musicians with exceptionally versatile musical experience: soprano Siri Torjesen, violist Morten Carlsen, and cellist Hans Josef Groh. Together with the composer, they have actively explored the timbral potential of the voice and stringed instruments. The result is beautiful music presented by superb musicians in meditative interaction.