New music of the week - Dec 5

Frank Martin: In terra pax — Gens, Gubisch, Vermot-Desroches, Degout, Naouri, Alain Altinoglu
Swiss composer Frank Martin’s oratorio was composed in 1944 in anticipation of the end of the Second World War. Martin’s score evokes the horrors of war more than the joy of peace and his music is gripping in its intensity, thankfully avoiding sentimentality even in the hopeful finale. Altinoglu draws fine performances from his orchestra and double chorus and veteran soprano Véronique Gens and young tenor Léo Vermot-Desroches are particularly outstanding in their duet, with echoes of Wagner’s Tristan in the ecstasy of their liberation.

Schubert: Four Hands — Bertrand Chamayou, Leif Ove Andsnes
Chamayou and Andsnes are two of the most thoughtful pianists today, and it’s no surprise that their first collaboration on record is both sensitive and exciting. The F minor Fantasia is one of Schubert’s most iconic chamber works, but Chamayou and Andsnes bring a rhythmic precision and carefully calibrated emotional range that sustain the drama. It’s the A major Rondo, though, that highlights the shared sensibility between the two artists, with the right balance between seriousness and grace that makes it sound like the warmest of conversations among friends.

Château de sable — Coeur De Pirate
The Canadian singer has redefined the chanson for a new generation, and her latest single shows off what she does best: evocative text, searching melodies, and yearning piano chords. But she’s expanded her sonic range and she now incorporates organ and a full chorus as a nod to the cathédrale of the text. Most interesting is her use of synthesizer, running in parallel to the piano. It’s modern and retro in equal measure, which could itself be a good summary of her artistry.