Elements. Ludovico Einaudi (composer and pianist). Decca CD
I missed his 2013 album In A Time Lapse but learn that the Italian composer has become successful, selling over 1.4 million records.
More than 130 million works have also been streamed, making him the biggest classical artist in the UK. Works mainly have a similar pattern, starting gently but swelling in volume to monumental soundscapes where the piano is backed by synth bass, and various instruments (many with unfamiliar names) join in.
Violinist Daniel Hope plays in one work and in some the Amsterdam Sinfonietta adds to a kind of giant, compelling beauty that thrills. Excellent recording; black mark for skimpy booklet.
Verdict: Modern musical alchemy enchants.
Cantate Domino. Sistine Chapel Choir. Deutsche Grammophon CD
The 16 tracks from 50 singers include the original, previously unrecorded Renaissance version of Allegri's haunting Miserere, sung as it would have been heard in the early 17th century (from the Sistine Codex of 1661) rather than a later transcription.
Another world premiere recording is Palestrina's Nunc Dimitris.
The music is from the Renaissance and still performed for papal celebrations today.
It is of great musicological interest and beautiful, sung with warmth, deeply expressive phrasing and great dynamic contrasts.
Verdict: Recording of beauty from heart of Vatican.
