Following his acclaimed first release "Shaman," "Chrysalid" is NYC-based Twining's most in-depth composition to date and probably his greatest. Moving beyond the mysticism of Tavener and Arvo Part, this is a fresh, passionate and deeply personal hour-long a cappella work that draws on one of the West's most sacred traditions. The requiem is in 12 parts: "Introit," "Kyrie," "Gradual & Tract," "Sequence 1," "Sequence 2," "Sequence 3," "Offertory," "Sanctus," "Agnus Dei," "Communion," "Responsory" and "Antiphon." The innovative Twining, having assembled some of the world's most versatile singers for the recording, combines pure, unadorned singing with intricate hocketing, overtone chanting, and vocal traditions from around the world. Since the mid-1980s Twining has been experimentally, first with his own voice and then with his own a cappella group, pushing the choral envelope. The results, first on "Shaman" and now on "Chrysalid Requiem," have been at once radiant, unconventionally beautiful and attention-getting. Twining has stepped outside the box and is inviting us to join him! |
