Barbara Hannigan's latest collaboration with Bertrand Chamayou, based on John Zorn's Jumalattaret, is an audacious display of musical alchemy. This unconventional song-cycle, drawing inspiration from Finland's national epic the Kalevala, appears at first blush as a curiosity – a high-wire act for soloists – but Hannigan's rendition transforms it into something sublime.
The result is a mesmerizing fusion of disparate styles, as Zorn's score shatters traditional boundaries and juxtaposes folk tunes, rock riffs, and jazz scat singing in a dazzling display of sonic fragmentation. Yet, rather than showcasing virtuosic displays, the focus shifts from feats to sounds, allowing Hannigan's voice to weave an irresistible spell.
Chamayou's percussive piano work serves as the perfect counterpoint to Hannigan's expressive vocals, creating an intoxicating synergy that propels the listener on a thrilling emotional journey. As the evening wears on, Messiaen's Chants de Terre et de Ciel provides a poignant counterpoint, its stark contrasts and contrasting moods serving to underscore the unique bond between these two exceptional artists.
Hannigan's mastery of reinvention is on full display here – her voice effortlessly adapting to the nuances of each piece, imbuing the music with an almost physical presence. From the playful whimsy of Danse du Bébé-Pilule to the tender vulnerability of Bail avec Mi, every detail of her performance seems carefully calibrated to evoke a specific emotional response.
As the evening draws to a close and Résurrection's triumphant finale falls silent, it becomes clear that we are witnessing something far more intimate than a mere concert. We are being invited into the artist's innermost sanctum, where emotions run raw and the music is an act of surrender – not applause.
The result is a mesmerizing fusion of disparate styles, as Zorn's score shatters traditional boundaries and juxtaposes folk tunes, rock riffs, and jazz scat singing in a dazzling display of sonic fragmentation. Yet, rather than showcasing virtuosic displays, the focus shifts from feats to sounds, allowing Hannigan's voice to weave an irresistible spell.
Chamayou's percussive piano work serves as the perfect counterpoint to Hannigan's expressive vocals, creating an intoxicating synergy that propels the listener on a thrilling emotional journey. As the evening wears on, Messiaen's Chants de Terre et de Ciel provides a poignant counterpoint, its stark contrasts and contrasting moods serving to underscore the unique bond between these two exceptional artists.
Hannigan's mastery of reinvention is on full display here – her voice effortlessly adapting to the nuances of each piece, imbuing the music with an almost physical presence. From the playful whimsy of Danse du Bébé-Pilule to the tender vulnerability of Bail avec Mi, every detail of her performance seems carefully calibrated to evoke a specific emotional response.
As the evening draws to a close and Résurrection's triumphant finale falls silent, it becomes clear that we are witnessing something far more intimate than a mere concert. We are being invited into the artist's innermost sanctum, where emotions run raw and the music is an act of surrender – not applause.
... I mean, I've heard Barbara Hannigan sing before, but this collaboration with Bertrand Chamayou takes it to a whole new level 
. The way she weaves together these disparate styles and makes it sound like music is an extension of her own being is just mind-blowing 
. And that piano work? It's like the perfect complement to her voice, creating this intoxicating synergy that draws you in and won't let go 
. I love how the album takes you on a journey, too – from playful to tender, it's like she's taking you on an emotional rollercoaster 
... but in the best way possible 
.
i love how she can go from soft n gentle 2 loud n wild w/ just her voice, it's like shes speaking straight 2 ur soul 
This Barbara Hannigan concert sounds like a total cultural takeover - I mean, who needs politics when you can get lost in that sonic fragmentation? It's like she's using her powerful vocals to subvert traditional boundaries just like our politicians try to shake things up in the government 
, this Barbara Hannigan concert sounds SO OUT OF THIS WORLD 
! I mean, who needs traditional boundaries when you can blend folk tunes with rock riffs and jazz scat singing? It's like a musical explosion 
in your ears! And that piano work by Chamayou? 
. I need to get tickets ASAP for when they come to town 
!
4 octaves and counting! 
Meanwhile, Chamayou's piano work is like the perfect harmony 
Who else can say they've been praised by the likes of The Guardian and The New York Times? 
And did you know that Hannigan's got over 1.5 million followers on Instagram? 
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to put folk tunes and rock riffs together? It sounds like they took all the leftover bits from different genres and mashed them into one big mess 
.
. And can we talk about how beautiful it is when the music just makes you feel all the emotions? Like, I'm not even kidding, every time I listen to this stuff, I get chills 
. And Chamayou's piano work is just the perfect complement to her vocals – it's like they were meant to be together 
. All in all, I think this collaboration is a total masterpiece 
. I love how the music takes you on this wild journey of emotions, from happy to sad to hopeful... it's like a rollercoaster ride for your feelings 
. What I think I love most about this album is that it's not just about the music itself, but about the connection between the artist and the listener - it's like she's sharing her innermost thoughts and feelings with you 
. It's truly a magical listening experience 
I'm still not convinced about this whole "sonic fragmentation" thing. It sounds like they're just throwing a bunch of different styles at the wall to see what sticks 
. And don't even get me started on the use of Messiaen's music - it feels like they're trying too hard to be deep and meaningful 
. I mean, can't we just appreciate the beauty of a simple melody without all the extra bells and whistles? 
And what's up with the weird piano pieces? It sounds like someone took a bunch of jazz riffs and said "let's make this more boring" 
.
.
The way it punctuates each moment, creating this ebb and flow of tension and release... it's like they're dancing together on stage 
.
. And when that final note fades away, I felt like I'd been given a rare gift – a glimpse into something truly intimate and beautiful 
. and can we talk about Hannigan's vocals for a sec? she's got this crazy range & control that just draws u in & makes u feel every emotion 
. I'm still reeling from the experience, I think I need to go listen to it again 
. I love how the music is all about soundscapes rather than just showcasing the singers' skills – it's super immersive. But what really gets me is the emotional connection between Hannigan's voice and Chamayou's piano... it's like they're speaking directly to your soul 
. I mean, have you ever heard anyone belt out these kinds of tunes like they do? It's like she's speaking a whole different language 
. And Chamayou's piano work is just the icing on the cake 
- it adds this whole new level of depth and complexity to the music. I'm not even gonna lie, I had chills during that final piece 
... it was like they were sharing something super personal with us all 
I love how they don't shy away from making something weird but cool instead 
anyway, I'm sold on this music now... can someone explain to me who John Zorn is?