Back catalogue: Modern Classical

Review: Katia and Marielle Labeque's latest album, Cocteau Trilogy, celebrates operatic works by Glass inspired by Jean Cocteau's films. This highly anticipated release completes Glass's operatic triptych with transcriptions from Orphee, La Belle et la Bete, and Les Enfants Terribles, arranged specifically for the Labeque sisters by Michael Riesman. The album continues the sisters' long-standing tradition of transcending musical boundaries, blending power and subtlety with remarkable precision. From the opening notes of the Orpheus Suite, the Labeques captivate with their dynamic control and signature flair. Their interpretation of Glass's complex harmonies and rhythmic structures is both intense and nuanced, offering a fresh perspective on the composer's work. The sisters' ability to transition seamlessly between forceful, vibrant passages and moments of delicate restraint brings a new emotional depth to these compositions. Cocteau Trilogy is a compelling tribute to Glass, showcasing the Labeque sisters at their best. It's a multifaceted album that not only honors the legacy of the composer but also cements the Labeques' status as masters of their craft, making it a standout release of 2024.

Review: This exclusive Record Store Day Limited Edition of Ennio Morricone's score to The Blue-eyed Bandit has been restored and remastered from the original tapes, preserved in the historical CAM Sugar archives. It is the first time the soundtrack has been released on vinyl since its original release in 1982, and quite possibly the only chance to listen to the genius of Morricone engaging with the world of jazz. He was famously suspicious of jazz improvisation, yet let his musicians be free in this setting, allowing them to add their solos to the original structure. The band featured his friend and collaborator Enrico Pieranunzi on piano, drummer Roberto Gatto and double bassist Riccardo Del Fra.