Seed - Baha'i Writings set to music by Richard Leigh

Seed_cover
I can't recall exactly when I met multi-talented composer/musician Richard Leigh for the first time. I do remember that it was at the annual Baha'i Academy for the Arts, but the year eludes me.

I've loved his compositions ever since I first heard them. I find it difficult to describe Richard's music. Perhaps it's easier to say what it is not than what it is is: it is not 'happy clappy'; it is not formal classical music; it is not pop.

Many of the tracks on Richard's new CD, Seed, echo folk riffs, while some have a more classical feel, but without using classical formalities. 'My Healing' and 'The Remover of Difficulties' both magically weave Iranian chanting into the predominantly Western mode of the music. Overall, a reflective spirituality radiates from these settings of Baha'i sacred texts.

This is serious music, but not self-important. It acts as a setting for the jewel-like texts, enhancing our appreciation for the Word of God without drawing attention to itself.

Richard Leigh at Wellington from Peter Maguire on Vimeo.

If you like to meditate on inspiring words, this CD is for you.

Music Prize to Norwegian composer Lasse Thoresen

Well deserved recognition for a talented and highly original composer whose work is infused by his faith as a Baha'i and by his deep immersion in both the Western classical and Scandinavian/Nordic folk music traditions.

I'm proud to count both Lasse and his wife, Britt, amongst my friends. I am so pleased that Lasse has received this prize.


Music Prize to Norwegian composer Lasse Thoresen

The Nordic Council Music Prize 2010 goes to the Norwegian composer Lasse Thoresen, for "Opus 42".

Jun 01, 2010

The Nordic Council Music Prize 2010 goes to Norwegian composer Lasse Thoresen. Photo credit: Laila Meyrick

Statement by the Adjudication Committee:

“Opus 42” is unique. It represents a renewal not just of Nordic vocal music, but of score-based vocal music in general. This strikingly beautiful piece reveals the common denominators in ancient and ultra-modern sounds, drawing our attention to the similarities between Scandinavian folk traditions and the music we might find in, say, the Middle East or India.

Lasse Thoresen not only uses folk sounds to spice up art music, he also integrates its finely tuned microtonality, spectral overtones, harmonies and rhythms into the contemporary, modernist project in a truly pioneering manner. A project like this depends upon close collaboration with skilled musicians who are willing to take risks. Thoresen found them in the vocal ensemble Nordic Voices.

“Opus 42” consists of four vocal works: Sun Prayer, Funeral Psalm, Heavenly Father and Dual Melodies. The first was commissioned by the Bergen International Festival, the other three by the Osa Festival, a combined Norwegian folk and classical event, reflecting the fact that Thoresen's ability to rejuvenate and vitalise both art music and folk is another unique aspect of his work.

The theme for the Nordic Council Music Prize 2010 was "A contemporary work in which all involved play their own part". Thirteen nominations were received.

Thoresen will receive the DKK 350,000 prize at the annual Session of the Nordic Council in Reykjavik in early November.

Virtual presentation of the winner and his fellow nominees

Contacts

Urd Johannesen
Phone +298 223010
Email urd@nlh.fo

via norden.org