MARIA MATER MERETRIX – ANNA PROHASKA & PATRICIA KOPATCHINSKAJA

Dive into the enigmatic world of “Maria Mater Meretrix,” where the spellbinding voices of soprano Anna Prohaska and the mesmerizing violin artistry of Patricia Koparchinskaja converge to create an astonishing musical exploration. This album is a daring odyssey, weaving a millennia’s worth of music, from the ancient chants of Hildegard von Bingen to the avant-garde compositions of George Crumb, into a symphonic tapestry that celebrates Woman from three profound angles.

At first glance, the eclectic track listing invites curiosity and wonder, featuring compositions from a myriad of eras and diverse composers. The artists define this musical journey as a “theoretically stringent” exploration of Woman’s essence, illustrating how different periods and styles intertwine to form a world shaped through sound.

Prepare to be enchanted by the smaller-scale pairings of works that ingeniously punctuate the larger narrative. In a captivating juxtaposition, Crumb’s ‘Return, God-Land’ from the Black Angels String Quartet (track 3) intertwines with Dufay’s Ave Maris Stella (arr. Michi Wiancko). The ethereal ambiance of Crumb’s composition, accentuated by the unique use of water-tuned glasses, cascades like a haunting waterfall. Koparchinskaja’s violin weaves a spellbinding tale, whispering, sighing, and emoting with captivating intensity. The transition to Dufay is a stroke of brilliance, as the water glasses theme finds continuity. While some initial strings hesitancy is evident, the brass section swoops in with unrestrained passion, redeeming the overall experience.

The unexpected pairing of Hildegard von Bingen’s O Rubor Sanguinis (track 13) with Haydn’s “Il Terremoto,” is a brilliant fusion of eras and tonality. Prohaska’s silken vocals illuminate the Gregorian chant, creating an entrancing cadenza that captures the essence of Woman in her myriad forms. As Haydn’s orchestral masterpiece joins in, the music elevates, evoking a sense of divine revelation. The Camerata’s impeccable playing delivers a harmonious blend of grandeur and transparency, allowing each individual part to breathe within the orchestral whole.

Throughout “Maria Mater Meretrix,” Prohaska and Koparchinskaja wield their artistic prowess with finesse and sensitivity. Their collaboration evokes a profound understanding of Woman’s essence, transcending time and space. Each composition becomes a portal into a bygone era or a futuristic dreamscape, transporting listeners on a contemplative journey through the ever-evolving musical landscape of Womanhood.

In essence, “Maria Mater Meretrix” is a thought-provoking masterpiece that dares to defy musical conventions, immersing listeners in an enigmatic expedition through the realms of femininity and its timeless connection to the world of sound. Anna Prohaska’s angelic voice and Patricia Koparchinskaja’s bewitching violin artistry intertwine to create an unparalleled listening experience. This album’s exploration of Woman’s essence resonates deeply, leaving an indelible impression that lingers long after the final note.