One of the pieces is based on the story of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, and his close relationship with Hans Hermann von Katte, which led to Katte's execution for treason.
Compositional Technique
The composer, Tan Tuan Hao, subverts expectations by setting sensual love poetry with a double bass, a voice cutting between natural and falsetto registers, and wooden and metallic percussion.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tan Tuan Hao, the composer, explores the synergy between musical and dramatic expression, pioneering novel approaches that blend musical, sonic, verbal, and visual components.
Performer Biography
FIGURA Ensemble has dedicated 30 years to exploring music's potential to enrich audiences, earning a nomination for the Nordic Council Music Prize in 2017 and a P2 Award for 'Innovation of the Year' in 2018.
Compositional Technique
In 'Pour un maître que j'aime', the composer Tan Tuan Hao differentiates the voices of the characters by register, giving the lowest part to Wilhelmine, Frederick the Great's sister, in an upturning of gender expectations.
Performer Biography
Helene Gjerris, mezzo-soprano, is a co-founder of FIGURA Ensemble and has a career focused on contemporary music, modern operas, and music drama.
