Album insights
In his biography "Chronicles of My Life" (1935/36), Strawinski strongly criticized the art as religion and the theater as a temple, triggered by a Parsifal performance he saw in Bayreuth in 1912. His sacred music serves as a personal declaration of medieval clarity, highlighting the distinction between these two realms.
After shifting away, around 1925 or 1926, Strawinski returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. The inspiration for his three sacred choirs—Pater noster, Credo, and Ave Maria—came from the lackluster quality of music and liturgical chants in the church in Nice. These pieces, composed between 1926 and 1934, reflect a simplistic and unadorned style rooted in church music tradition, aiming to connect with pre-Italian-influenced tradition and the essence of modal harmony.
Strawinski's inclination towards the Latin language must also be considered, evident in his Mass compositions, which involved a unique instrumental ensemble comprising only wind instruments. The innovative sound palette produced by this ensemble, along with the male and boy choir, is a notable feature of his Mass compositions, displaying a blend of various musical elements from different eras.
The Psalm Symphony (1930, revised in 1948), commissioned by Sergei Koussevitzky, showcases Strawinski’s emotional depth and musical contrasts, drawing inspiration from Psalms. Strawinski's work reflects both a sense of uplifting praise and a profound acknowledgment of human struggle, resonating throughout the composition, particularly in the dynamic interplay between the movements.
Strawinski’s compositions, whether sacred or secular, illustrate his eclectic musical approach, evident in the Symphony work and his endeavors in honoring the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark, through "Canticum Sacrum ad honorem Sancti Marci Nominis" (1955). The close relationship between this piece and the architecture of the Mark's Basilica in Venice is a testament to Strawinski's meticulous creative process, embodying a rich symbolism through its structure and content.
Strawinski's musical journey, from analyzing church acoustics in Venice to composing sacred music in honor of St. Mark, illuminates his deep artistic sensibilities. The unity in his musical vision and the symbolism embedded in his works reflect his profound dedication to crafting music that transcends boundaries and resonates across centuries.