The album was recorded in September 2019 at Noirlac Abbey, a creative venue that provided ideal, isolated conditions and was a source of inspiration for the Ensemble Contraste.
Performer Biography
Ensemble Contraste, founded in 2000, consists of virtuoso classical artists and aims to demystify classical music by mixing genres and surprising audiences with unconventional concerts.
Interpretation
The album features arrangements by Johan Farjot for an unusual instrumental lineup including viola, cello, contrabass, piano, percussion, guitar, and trumpet, blending classical with jazz and world music influences.
Interpretation
Ensemble Contraste's approach for this album is to play classical repertoire while melding diverse musical worlds, creating new arrangements, and illuminating the music in a new, open way.
Performer Biography
Rosemary Standley, the vocalist, previously learned Schubert's 'Der Erlkönig' at age twelve and later discovered his 'Winterreise' song cycle while studying at the Georges Bizet Conservatoire in Paris.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rosemary Standley feels a strong connection to Schubert's music, noting its melodic refrains and strong ties to folk music, which she finds familiar and akin to American folk traditions.
