Blackford's "Pietà" combines the traditional Latin Stabat Mater text with four poems by Anna Akhmatova, a Russian poet whose husband and son were arrested by Stalin's KGB.
Instruments
The soprano saxophone, played by Amy Dickson, acts as a third soloist in "Pietà," representing the wordless voice of Mary and adding a modern instrumental dimension.
Composition History
Richard Blackford's "Pietà" was commissioned by the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and St Albans Choral Society, with support from the Nimbus Foundation.
Performer Biography
Gavin Carr, the conductor, is the Chorus Master and Director of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, and also directs the Philharmonia Chorus in London.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The composer, Richard Blackford, was inspired to title the work "Pietà" after revisiting Michelangelo's statue in St Peter's, Rome, and reflecting on its luminescent beauty despite its sadness.
Performer Biography
Amy Dickson, the soprano saxophonist on this album, is a British-Australian artist who has been nominated for two Grammy™ awards and won a Classic BRIT Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
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