Search - Terje Rypdal :: Lux Aeterna

(ANOTHER) ETERNAL LIGHT FROM TERJE RYPDAL

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 08/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since I first began listening to recordings issued by Manfred Eicher's ECM Records, back in the early 1970s, Terje Rypdal has been one of my favorite artists - on the ECM roster or anywhere. His composition and playing styles stretch across a broad spectrum of music - from straight-ahead jazz to improvisation to hard-edged rock to orchestral works. His talents as a player - his main instrument being electric guitar - are stunning. Many respected guitarists list him as one of their influences, as one of the players they admire most. His recordings are always imaginative and intelligent, involving the listener completely - he has few peers.On this recording Rypdal presents a piece commissioned for the Molde Jazzfestival - held each year in Molde, Norway, hosting some of the most respected names in the genre (and outside of it as well) - in celebration of the newly installed organ in the Molde Domkirke, a state-of-the-art instrument with computerized programming. In his notes, Rypdal admits that Ligeti's `Lux aeterna' had been one of his earlier influences - and that influence can be heard clearly, coming into play about 7 minutes into the second movement of Rypdal's composition.The first movement (`Luminous galaxy') is opened by the Bergen Chamber Ensemble, setting a beautiful mood - their playing is first-rate throughout the recording. They are soon joined by Palle Mikkelborg on trumpet - a frequent collaborator of Rypdal. His playing is breathtaking - I can't think of another trumpet player whose style is so vocal, that has such a human touch. There are passages where his horn sounds like the breath of life itself. At around 9 minutes into the movement, the organ is introduced - played masterfully by Iver Kleive (brother of Audun Kleive, the drummer for Terje's band The Chasers). Near the end of the movement, the orchestra appears again, re-stating the theme and mood with which they began the piece.The second movement (`Fjelldåpen') marks the composer's first appearance as performer - his guitar playing is instantly recognizable, but NEVER hackneyed or repetitive. The section in which he's accompanied by some tasty percussion touches from the BCE is especially lovely.The third movement (`Escalator') is especially beautiful - it's led off by the organ and strings, with Palle Mikkelborg joining quietly and subtly around 3 ½ minutes in. His playing in this movement is particularly beautiful and subdued.As one might expect, the fourth movement (`Toccata') features the organ - and Kleive puts it through its paces and shows the listener just what it can do. The recording quality on this release is crystal clear throughout - but this aspect is particularly valuable in this movement. The dynamics of which this instrument - as well as the composer and performer - are incredible.The fifth and final movement (`Lux aeterna') showcases all of the performers nicely, and introduces the soprano voice - Åshild Stubø Gundersen - for the first time. Gundersen's voice is beautiful and controlled, with an amazingly natural vibrato that shows itself especially well on her sustained notes. Mikkelborg's part in this movement is very demanding, requiring technique that would daunt a lesser player - he delivers wonderfully. Rypdal's guitar reappears in this movement, with lots of controlled distortion coloring some very melodic and beautiful work - his use of the volume pedal to `kill' the attack is used to great effect.In this composition - as in all of his work: solo, small group, large ensemble or orchestral - Terje Rypdal wisely and creatively uses the entire palette at his disposal. He makes artistic choices and never crowds the arrangements, utilising only the instruments needed for the colouring and mood for which he's reaching. He always exercises exquisite taste, structure and restraint. This recording will take its place on my shelf with many other discs by this talented player/composer - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

Lightness of Being

Ed Hazlinsky | Orlando, FL | 04/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those moments that allow you to go beyond your everyday self. It is one of the premeire pieces in my collection."

What A Great Surprise

J. Rich | 08/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Lux Aeterna" was recorded live on July 19, 2000 at Molde Jazzfestival. It was released in 2003 on ECM.



This is by far Terje's best classical work. I've heard alot of his classical work before (e. g. "QED," some of his pieces off his various solo albums like "Skywards" and "If Mountains Could Sing"). There are a couple more that I'm sure I forgot to mention, but this one is his most beautiful. I can't really describe this music other than atmospheric classical music with some improvisation.



I rank this highly among my Terje collection. I own 18 of Terje's albums. I was greatly surprised by this album. The reason I was surprised was all of Terje's other classical albums seemed a little out there. This one I actually just sat back and enjoyed its beauty....very accesible (at least to me anyway).



Fans of Rypdal's pick this one up. You won't be sorry."