Credits:

Valerio Losito

Description:

Bo Holten (1941-) is one of the leading contemporary Danish composers. In addition to his many published works, he is also active as a conductor, leading two vocal ensembles, Musica Ficta and Ars Nova. This album contains three works written at various times and performed under his own direction, all of which are world premiere recordings. The main work, "The Naked King," is a small opera written to commemorate the bicentennial of Andersen's (1805-1875) birth. The libretto by Eva Sommestad-Holten is taken directly from Andersen's text, with delightful music reflecting the satirical content. The other two pieces are an oboe concerto in a classical style and a song cycle "Songs of Dusk," in which the bassoon and songs beautifully accompany each other, offering a taste of Holten's varied style, from complex polyphony to jazz idioms. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Kejseren i klaedeskabet (The Emperor in the dressing room)
2.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Bedragerne kommer til byen (The Swindlers come to town)
3.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Vaeven gar, haenderne danser! (Weaving - shuttles flying!)
4.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Kejseren sender embedsmaend til at inspicere tojet (The Emperor sends officials to inspect the cloth)
5.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Kejseren vil selv se tojet (The Emperor wants to see the clothes for himself)
6.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Klaeder bliver syet og kejseren bliver klaedt pa (Clothes are sewn and the Emperor is dressed)
7.Kejserens nye klaeder (The Emperor's New Clothes) / A concert opera for tenor, baritone, choir of upper voices and orchestra~Den store procession (The great procession)
8.Oboe Concerto, Il Romanesco, In one movement, for oboe and orchestra~Passacaglia
9.Oboe Concerto, Il Romanesco, In one movement, for oboe and orchestra~Tarantella I
10.Oboe Concerto, Il Romanesco, In one movement, for oboe and orchestra~Cadenza
11.Oboe Concerto, Il Romanesco, In one movement, for oboe and orchestra~Tarantella II
12.Oboe Concerto, Il Romanesco, In one movement, for oboe and orchestra~Romanza
13.Oboe Concerto, Il Romanesco, In one movement, for oboe and orchestra~Tranquillo
14.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~I Vaaren (In spring)
15.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Nocturne
16.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Kavallersorger (Cavalier worries)
17.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Maanens Tungsind (Spleen of the moon)
18.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Du som en lille Kattekilling er ... (You are like a little kitten ...)
19.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Sagtelig... (Quietly ...)
20.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Kaerlighed (Love)
21.Tusmorkets viser (Songs of Dusk), A song cycle for soprano, bassoon and orchestra~Vaarsang ved Jul (Spring song at Christmas)