Sorrow – Symphony of Sorrowful Songs reimagined by Colin Stetson

Colin Stetson is a cult multi-instrumentalist who mostly plays the saxophone and the clarinet. On his record Sorrow, which is a reinterpretation of Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s Symphony No. 3, he plays three types of saxophone, bass clarinet, and synthesizer. Stenton is well known for his solo works (the New History Warfare trilogy, which has been presented on stages worldwide, including at Polish festivals) and cooperation with many outstanding artists like Lou Reed, Anthony Braxton, Mats Gustafsson, Tom Waits, and Arcade Fire. Górecki’s symphony, also known as the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, is one of Stetson’s favourite compositions, and he's been fascinated by it since he was a student. Sorrow is an attempt to incorporate Górecki into different musical traditions, enriching the piece by adding elements of metal and minimal and drone music to it. Stetson and his group’s concert will close the Huddersfield festival on 27th November.

November 18-27, 2016

COLIN STETSON: SORROW

A reimagining of Górecki’s Symphony No. 3, Symphony of Sorrowful Songs
Copresented with the Walker Art Center

"Music that embraces its undying capacity for uplift, that shakes off distinctions between bathos and pathos, between mawkish and grave, as it blasts upward" – Pitchfork

Henryk Górecki’s iconic 3rd Symphony made a major impact on listeners in the early 90s and was a musical touchstone for virtuosic saxophonist Colin Stetson. Celebrated for the way he “demolishes clichés to unleash fresh, unexpected energies,” (Pitchfork) Stetson takes on the mammoth task of reimagining Górecki’s symphony for an expansive and contemporary sonic palate. Sorrow, Stetson’s imaginative new interpretation of the work, has been lauded as “both traditional and playful, timeless and of the moment,” (PopMatters), and draws on a uniquely constructed ensemble, employing electric guitars, synthesizers, drums and woodwinds to create transformative extensions of the emotional core of the piece.

Please note: Seated tickets for this concert are currently sold out. A limited number of standing room tickets will become available at walkerart.org

Learn more: Read an interview with Colin Stetson and local saxophonist Cole Pulice on the Liquid Music Blog.

Tickets (SOLD OUT): $25 ($20 for Liquid Music subscribers and Walker Art Center members)

Colin Stetson: SORROW: A Reimagining of Gorecki's 3rd Symphony

Megan Stetson - Mezzo-Soprano Voice
Colin Stetson - Alto/Bass Saxophones, Contrabass Clarinet
Matt Bauder - Tenor/Baritone Saxophones, Clarinet
Dan Bennett - Tenor/Baritone Saxophones, Clarinet
Sarah Neufeld - Violin
Rebecca Foon - Cello
Gyda Valtysdottir - Cello
Ryan Ferreira - Guitar
Grey MacMurray - Guitar
Shahzad Ismaily - Synth, Guitar
Justin Walter - EVI, Keyboards
Greg Fox – Drums

Multi-reed player Colin Stetson, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, has developed a singular career, straddling indie rock and free jazz. He brings his multiphonic extended techniques to rock and carries an aggressive rock attitude to his improvised music. SORROW, a reimagining of Polish composer Henryk Górecki’s 1977 3rd Symphony was premiered in New York City in April. Based on texts inscribed on the walls of a Gestapo prison cell, Górecki’s composition became an international phenomenon when it was released on the album Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. Says Stetson: “We all have those moments when we experience a piece of music that transforms us, and this was one of those moments for me. Over the years, I went on to listen to this record countless times, always determined to absorb every instance of it, to know it throughout and fully. And this dedication to a thorough knowledge of the piece eventually gave way to a need to perform it.”

Opéra de Montréal x Pop Montréal

TICKETS

Colin Stetson, renowned for his breathtaking, inventive solo playing on bass saxophone, reinterprets Gorecki’s third symphony. He previously collaborated with, among others, Arcade Fire.

Canadian saxophone player Colin Stetson presents his new album Sorrow in a spectacular way, with a ten piece star ensemble. Sorrow is a reinterpretation of the famous Third symphony by Polish composer Henryk Gorecki, according to Stetson ‘one of the most inspiring symphonies ever’. His reinterpretation is ‘an addition to an already brilliant piece’ and stays close to the original. The Third symphony (1976) is one of the masterpieces of the 20th century. The ensemble features, among others, Sarah Neufeld (Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre), Greg Fox (Ben Frost) and Shahzad Ismaily (Marc Ribot, Ben Frost).

Colin Stetson is a singular voice on bass saxophone, because of his inventive us of extended techniques such as circular breathing. In his breathtaking solo playing he uses the sax both as a melody and a percussion instrument, hammering the valves. Stetson has collaborated with major artists including Tom Waits and David Byrne, and regularly performs with Arcade Fire and Bon Iver.

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 (reservations via 020-7882158).

Tickets via Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ.

Sorrow, a reimagining of Gorecki’s 3rd symphony
THE REST IS NOISE