J.S. Bach's 'Sleepers Awake (Wachet Auf)' is based on a 17th-century hymn written by a pastor during an epidemic, urging believers to find hope in communal light.
Composer Biography
Ignaz Friedman, who arranged J.S. Bach's 'Sleepers Awake' for this album, was a Polish pianist and a refugee from Hitler's Europe.
Cultural Impact
The song 'I'll Be Seeing You' was an anthem during World War II for those serving overseas, and Billie Holiday's recording was the final transmission sent to the Opportunity rover on Mars.
Album & Artwork
The album title, 'Love at Last', is inspired by a poem written in 1894 by Shaul Tchernichovsky, which speaks of love binding all peoples in an everlasting bond.
Composer Biography
Milad Yousufi, composer of 'Healer', was born in Afghanistan when music was completely banned by the Taliban, and he started drawing piano keys on paper to pretend to play.
Recording & Production
This album features 14 world premiere recordings, including 5 world premiere recordings of arrangements.
Historical Context
Jaroslav Ježek's song 'Dawn (Svítá)' was played daily on Prague radio during the Nazi occupation as a coded message of resistance and hope.
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