Adès: The Exterminating Angel Symphony & Violin Concerto

Album information

THE SURREAL SOUNDSCAPES OF THOMAS ADÈS

The Minnesota Orchestra and its music director Thomas Søndergård delve into the imaginative world of Thomas Adès, a singular voice in contemporary classical music. Featuring two of his most compelling orchestral works, The Exterminating Angel Symphony – a world premiere recording – and the Violin Concerto, this album captures Adès’ uncanny ability to merge intellectual rigor with raw emotional immediacy. With orchestral textures both radiant and unsettling, Adès evokes a surreal musical landscape, brought vividly to life by Søndergård’s incisive direction and violinist Leila Josefowicz’s electrifying performance.

Highlighting two distinct sides of Adès’ artistry, cinematic drama and virtuosic intimacy, this recording explores the composer’s breadth with striking clarity. Josefowicz brings fierce expressivity and precision to the Violin Concerto, while the orchestra navigates the volatile energy of The Exterminating Angel Symphony with gripping intensity.

Released physically on standard CD.

REVIEWS:

Opus Klassiek: “The contribution of the Minnesota Orchestra under the leadership of the Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård… is certainly impressive. The orchestra has built a strong reputation in both classical and modern and contemporary repertoire, and Søndergård possesses a keen ear for balance and detail. The interplay with Josefowicz is exemplary: clear, dynamic, and well-balanced.”