Dean: Rooms of Elsinore (SACD)

"The five pieces on this recording are the result of an extended fascination with and exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet," writes Brett Dean in his introductory text, going on to explain that the intention of this program is "to be a sonic exploration of the spaces, atmospheres and archetypes of emotion and character in and through which the tragedy of Hamlet unfolds." These works come, each in their own way, from an opera, Dean's interpretation of the Hamlet theme, which premiered in 2017. "And once I played Ophelia" for soprano and strings focuses on the often misjudged character of Ophelia. "Rooms of Elsinore" for viola and piano, played here by the composer, feels like a drone flying over Elsinore Castle, the supposed setting of the play, moving from room to room. "Gertrude Fragments" for mezzo-soprano and guitar feels like an homage to the art of the lute song - which originated in Shakespeare's time - and focuses on the complex character of Hamlet's mother Gertrude. "Confessio" for bass clarinet solo examines the monologue of Hamlet's remorseful uncle Claudius and explores the possibilities of the instrument. Finally, "The Players", a concerto for accordion and small orchestra, revisits the scenes of the players from the first act of Dean's opera. A fascinating musical exploration of this most iconic literary masterpiece.