Ib Nørholm's compositional project, starting in 1965, aimed to combine the expressive potential of modernism with lyrical-melodic expressiveness, moving beyond aesthetic prejudices.
Compositional Technique
In 'Tavole per Orfeo', Ib Nørholm transforms Poul Borum's three songs into a dialogue between Eurydice (soprano/percussion) and Orpheus (guitar), where her lines are sung and his replies are guitar solos.
Composer Biography
Ib Nørholm, the composer, began composing as a schoolboy, making his debut with a piano sonatina in 1947 and writing his first opera in 1949.
Performer Biography
Soprano Else Torp is a core member of Paul Hillier's Theatre of Voices, with whom she has performed globally and contributed to a Grammy award-winning CD.
Historical Context
In the early 1960s, Ib Nørholm and other young Danish composers sought new inspiration from international music centers like Darmstadt, a citadel of serialism, and the ISCM festivals.
Recording & Production
This album features world premiere recordings of 'Stilleliv' (Still Life) and 'Whispers of Heavenly Death'.
Composition History
The collaboration between composer Ib Nørholm and poet Poul Borum, whose texts are featured on this album, began in 1966 and lasted until Borum's death in 1996.
