Donnacha Dennehy.
From microtonal explorations to warm-blooded folk music. With his multicolored oeuvre, Irish composer Donnacha Dennehy (1970) is one of the most important European composers of the moment.
The former student of Louis Andriessen embraces the spellbinding rhythms of minimal music, but he also listens carefully to pop, Irish folk singing, and pure-toned music. Over 25 years ago, Dennehy co-founded the idiosyncratic Crash Ensemble. In recent years, Dennehy has also emerged as an opera composer and writes strikingly vital concert music. He excels in a powerful, harmonic language that is also very accessible. This Theme broadcast features works by Donnacha Dennehy from the past twenty years, including many orchestral compositions, piano works, and ensemble music.
Donnacha Dennehy:
1. ‘Elastic Harmonic’ (2005), for violin and orchestra, on Donnacha Dennehy: Elastic Harmonic.
RTE National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney + Darragh Morgan (violin).
NMC Records NMCD133 CD
2. ‘Streetwalker’ (2003), for ensemble, on Donnacha Dennehy: Elastic Harmonic.
Crash Ensemble. NMC Records NMCD133 CD
3. ‘Grá agus Bás’ (2007), for vocalist and ensemble, on Donnacha Dennehy: Grá agus Bás.
Crash Ensemble conducted by Alan Pierson + Iarla Ó Lionáird (voice).
Nonesuch 7559-79772-7 CD
4. ‘Dreadful Winter’ from ‘The Hunger’ (2012-2016), for ensemble and singers, on Donnacha Dennehy: The Hunger.
Alarm Will Sound conducted by Alan Pierson + Katherina Manley and Iarla Ó Lionáird (vocalists). Nonesuch 075597925159 CD
5. ‘Stainless Staining’ (2007), for piano and soundtrack, on Donnacha Dennehy: Stainless Staining. Lisa Moore (piano). Cantaloupe Records CA21062 CDEP
6. ‘Reservoir’ (2007), for piano, on Donnacha Dennehy: Stainless Staining.
Lisa Moore (piano). Cantaloupe Records CA21062 CDEP
7. ‘O’ (2001-2002), for orchestra, on Donnacha Dennehy: Crane/O/The Vandal/Hive.
RTE National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney. RTE Lyric CD145 CD
8. ‘Hive’ (2005), for chamber choir and orchestra, on Donnacha Dennehy: Crane/O/The Vandal/Hive.
RTE National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney + Chamber Choir Ireland.
RTE National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney + Chamber Choir Ireland.
RTE Lyric CD145 CD
