Irina Jae-Eun Park, Soprano - Michael Borth, Baritone - Susanne Keck, Bassoon - Paul Drouet, Piano

Mystic Encounters - Chamber Music Works by Ektoras Tartanis

PROGRAMME MUSIC AS CHAMBER MUSIC?
There is an obvious common denominator between Greek mythology and Paul Celan‘s poetry: mysticism. Whether consciously or unconsciously, this element seems to give my personal cultural roots the appropriate musical expression. If one asks what exactly is meant to be expressed here and whether the titles and subtitles of the two chamber music works should be understood as program music, then a very specific artistic credo will be revealed.
Greek mythology and philosophy form the foundation of my world view and at the same time my intellectual background. These myths and legends are not simple stories, but rather a code that needs to be deciphered – just like Japanese haikus, over which one can meditate for years – in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the world and human nature. In this respect, this music can be understood programmatic, but not in the sense of an approximate retelling of stories in mere tones; but rather as music aiming to reveal a deeper level of understanding in giving birth to the meaning of the underlying myth and bringing it emotionally closer to the listener. [...]

WHY PAUL CELAN?
I was surprised to note that many people find Paul Celan’s poetry to be abstract, substandard and very individual. I cannot confirm this impression, because it has exactly the opposite effect on me. This poetry, with its free metrics and many neologisms, inspires me to create new music in a very immediate way, precisely because it speaks to me so concretely and clearly. His poetry creates a very personal and magical world and strives to explore new terrain. I have the impression of listening to Celan’s music and making it tangible through words when I compose. These texts become clear to me straightaway, when understood metaphysically and symbolically. They want to be transcended and demand an overcoming of our own narrow and square understanding of the world. They seek breadth and depth, tell us about the unknown and unexplored and bring us closer to exactly that. Therefore, it makes absolute sense to me to shape this mystical dimension through music. [...]

[Extract of the CD booklet / incl. further info about the composer, the artists and the works]

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