VLADIMIR GODÁR

Mater

 

(1) Maykomashmalon (2005)   3.44 *

for female voice, viola and violoncello (sung in Yiddish)

(2) Magnificat (2003)  9.35 *

for female voice, choir, string orchestra and harp (sung in Slovak)

(3) Luspávanky (Lullabies) (2001/03)  8.09

for female voice, two violins, two violas and violoncello (sung in Slovak)

(4) Ecce puer (1997)   6.12

for female voice, two violins, viola, double-bass, harp,

chitarrone & harpsichord (James Joyce, sung in English)

(5) Stálá Matka (Stabat Mater) (2001)  19.24

for alto, violin and chamber orchestra (sung in Slovak)

(6) Regina coeli (2003)   5.01 *

for female voice, violin, choir and chamber orchestra (sung in Latin)

(7) Maykomashmalon  (2005)   3.40

for female voice, viola and violoncello (sung in Yiddish)

 

Total time: 56.50

Recommended listening *

 

Iva Bittová: voice; Miloš Valent: violin, viola

Bratislava Conservatory Choir (Dušan Bill, choirmaster); Solamente Naturali / Marek Štryncl

 

Vladimír Godár’s Mater is an unforgettable hour-long suite of subtle balance and utmost sonic unity comprising seven vocal settings for female voice, mixed choir and a Baroque string orchestra of historic instruments. The work and its order were inspired by Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal’s short story ‘A legend played on strings stretched between a cradle and a coffin’ and by the “semantics of the Christian church year (birth–death–resurrection)”. Another strong inspiration was Iva Bittová’s art. Her voice, mostly warm and tender but always widely expressive, can be heard in music of stunning beauty: a traditional Yiddish folk song, a dramatic setting of the Magnificat, a collection of Slovak lullabies and a cheerful Regina Coeli. Together they transcend the purely Christian context into a musical allegory of human life and death. James Joyce’s “Ecce puer”, written on the double occasion of the birth of the writer’s son and the death of his father, marks the pensive centre of Mater.

 

Czech singer Iva Bittová is one the most remarkable vocalists today, equally known in avant-garde music circles, in the folk scene – and as a violinist. Vladimír Godár (born in Bratislava in 1956) has written several works for her and is also an award-winning film composer. Miloš Valent, familiar to ECM listeners for his work with Stephen Stubbs (Teatro Lirico, 476 3101), solos and leads his ensemble Solamente Naturali.

 

ECM4765689