Album artwork by Denise Burt (https://www.elevator-design.dk/)
Eric Nathan: the space of a door
BMOP sound
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Gil Rose, conductor
Featuring:
Paestum (for Orchestra)
Omaggio a Gesualdo
the space of a door
Timbered Bells
Missing Words I
Icarus Dreamt
Paestum (for sinfonietta)
ABOUT
“Known as the nation’s foremost label launched by an orchestra and devoted exclusively to new music, Grammy Award-winning BMOP/sound today announced the release of Eric Nathan: the space of a door, led by conductor Gil Rose and performed by the intrepid Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP). In this portrait album of the composer’s orchestral and large ensemble music, Nathan proves he is one of today’s must-hear new American voices.
“This album frames a body of work that spans eight years (2008-2016), from Nathan’s student days to the present. The most recent piece is the album’s eponymous track, the space of a door. Dedicated to the composer’s mentor Steven Stucky, it was premiered in 2016 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Often inspired by engaging with old places such as historic churches, cathedrals or concert halls, Nathan’s creative energy was sparked for the space of a door by the Providence Athenaeum built in 1836. ‘Mr. Nathan’s cinematic the space of a door directly borrows from Brahms, taking its opening gesture from the motif that starts the Second Symphony. Rich with asynchronous strings, and full of light and shade, it hurtles toward a nostalgic end. Engaging, from a voice we will hear more of (The New York Times).’ ”
- (BMOP Press Release, 5.19.20)
REVIEWS
“a superb disc … the album is a collection of luscious soundscapes that abound with imagination, spontaneity, and—in keeping with the prevailing mood—thoughtful retrospection. … ‘the space of a door’ revels in the unexpected.”
-Kevin Wang, WHRB Radio (7.2.20)
“Imagination and retrospection in ‘the space of a door’ ”
Read full review
“Nathan shows a truly remarkable mastery of the orchestra […] with an iron structural logic that supports every minute detail.” [English translation]
-Filippo Focosi, Kathodik (10.31.20)
“Eric Nathan ‘The Space of a Door’”
Read full review
“He has an understanding of form rarely found in composers; his ideas are clearly defined, and he has a clear sense of where they begin and end … The orchestral color is transparent and exquisitely balanced …
“this is expertly crafted and deeply felt music by an accomplished composer of immense talent."
- Andrew Desiderio, Fanfare (Jan/Feb 2021)
Read full review
“performed with care and true musicality … decidedly a new voice to be reckoned with from today's Modern US New Music scene. …
“lyrical, dramatic and haunting music orchestrated vibrantly … a gem of animation and dimensional musical action.”
- Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Classical Modern Review (7.2.20)
Read full review
“a creator receptive to spontaneity but respectful of craft. Words such as celebratory, expressive, vigorous, and imaginative come to mind as the pieces appear. […] This hour-long addition to the BMOP's discography definitely upholds its reputation for distinguished music-making.”
- textura (August 2020)
Read full review
“American composer Eric Nathan (b. 1983) has captured the imagination of the musical world. […] A intriguing release for adventurous listeners.”
- Robert Benson, Classical CD Review (June 2020)
Read full review
“rich harmony, expressive lines, and brilliant orchestration …. Nathan is ecumenical in his influences but all in his own language. … Performances are superb”
- Gimbel, American Record Guide (Nov/Dec 2020)
Read full review
“it’s good to have this record to spread the word about this distinctively compelling composer’s work.”
- Delarue, New York Music Daily (August 2020)
Read full review
LISTEN
Spotify:
YouTube (playlist):
Click icon in top right of video to select tracks (1-9)