SKU: HL.14017469

UPC: 884088812041. 8.5x11.0x0.419 inches.

Composer's Note When I considered the ensemble of eight cellos, I first thought of matt and dark textures. I also wanted to go back to some ideas on symmetry. While I was pondering all that, I saw snow flakes falling from the dark sky of the Finnish autumn. Focusing on the snow, the idea of writing variations on it and its various forms became clearer in my mind.Nuages de neige is a uniform and linear texture in which I realise my first impressions of that ensemble. The two Etoiles de neige are based on the idea of symmetry and repetition: the first one develops up to a certain point where it doubles back as in a mirror image, the second one consists of eight sections in which the harmonic structure is repeated, as well as a linear gesture that becomes ever more present. Aguilles de glace focuses on different pizzicati and superimposed ostinati. With Fleurs de neige I sought to recall the texture of those harmonic trills at the end of the first section, although more airy and diversified here. Kaija Saariaho.

SKU: HL.50510058

ISBN 9790080400364. UPC: 073999597790. 5.5x8.0x0.66 inches. Gabor Darvas.

Beethoven had been pondering over the plan of the Ninth Symphony for 30 years. He was occupied with Schiller's 'Ode to Joy' as early as 1793. From 1809 on the first drafts of the musical ideas of the work appeared among his sketches. In fact, he began the meticulous elaboration of this monumental composition only in the autumn of 1822. The first performance took place on May 7, 1824 in the Karntnertor-Theater in Vienna. Although the conductor Umlauf, the soloists, the choir and the orchestra had only a few rehearsals at their disposal to come over the extraordinary difficulties of the piece, the Ninth Symphony had a great succes, in spite of certain shortcomings of the performance. After the first performance Beethoven made some changes in the autograph manuscript. This corrected copy served as a basis for the score printed in 1826 which is beyond doubt the final and authentic version. All the more so, as the composer carefully controlled the preparation of the publication. The source of the present edition is therefore the first printed score.

SKU: LO.99-2073H

UPC: 000308114270.

An absolutely gorgeous original setting, unique in that meter changes enhance the natural rhythm and melodic movement of the text and music. The lyrics express a man in love, pondering all of the reasons why the object of his love is unaware of his feelings. A marvelous male choir showcase!