John Zorn - Madrigals: For Six Female Voices (2016)

Lisa Bielawa, Jane Sheldon, Kirsten Sollek, Mellissa Hughes, Sarah Brailey, Rachel Calloway. Adonais * The Witch of Atlas * Epipsychidion * The Devil s Walk * Endymion * Ocean Nymphs * Old Silenus * Twilight Phantasms * Queen Mab * Universal Pan. Zorn's compositions for a cappella voice are some of his most sensual and sublime creations. This CD presents his two books of Madrigals scored for six female voices. Beautifully performed by his long time ensemble the Sapphites the music is even more varied and challenging than his previous masterpieces The Holy Visions and Shir Hashirim, touching upon minimalism, tonal and atonal counterpoint, textural experiments and more. Inspired by the visionary poetry of 19th century British Romantic Percy Blysse Shelley, a charming lyricism and subtle spirituality rides through the music from first note to last.