Album insights
Russian composer Alexander Knaifel's Chapter Eight, based on the Song of Solomon from the Old Testament, is a profound composition for church, choruses, and cello. Mstislav Rostropovich praised its beauty and spiritual depth. Knaifel aimed to create a communal prayer resonating in rich church acoustics, emphasizing a seamless blend of sounds devoid of traditional plot or drama yet deeply mysterious. In this unique work, cellist Patrick Demenga relinquishes a soloist's spotlight to merge his artistry with the harmonious voices of three choirs, conducted by Andres Mustonen from Estonia. The recording took place in the Jesuitenkirche in Lucerne, known for its superb acoustics from the Baroque period.