Supernova

This album is the result of a cooperation between the unique Atom String Quartet and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, along with the composer Hanna Kulenta. An energetic, live album with music on the borders between classical, modern, and jazz.

Album premiere: 2018

Publishers: National Forum of Music, CD Accord

Conductor: Christian Danowicz

Performers: Atom String Quartet, NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra

Two years ago, an extremely interesting and inspiring cooperation between Atom String Quartet and NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra began, which has already resulted in several very successful concerts and a joint album. I have been following the amazing career of Atom String Quartet since its inception because the musicians who make up this band are my college friends, and their courage to follow their own, unconventional path was impressive to me. In retrospect, it can be seen that only the bravest souls, those who decided to stray from the established paths, became real artists who are remembered and whose work you want to return to. Remembering that not every outstanding artist has achieved success, I am even more happy about the spectacular career and popularity of Atom String Quartet!

Since I have been associated with the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, I have also been observing the non-obvious direction in which this band is heading, constantly looking for something new, something that would allow it to gain its own identity. This direction was largely set by the ensemble’s previous boss, Ernst Kovacic, who was constantly looking for new, original repertoire for the orchestra and performing unknown or forgotten pieces with it, commissioning new works from contemporary composers, and creating the unique Leo Festival. At this festival, the orchestra goes beyond the confines of concert halls, collaborating with actors, dancers and artists in spaces unusual for classical music. The composer who, in my opinion, fits perfectly with the direction chosen by the orchestra is Hanna Kulenty-Majoor – a brave, original and charismatic artist, whose works we have performed many times, including during the Leo Festival. Therefore, when the idea of commissioning a piece for the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra and Atom String Quartet arose, I had no doubt that we should turn to Hanna Kulenty-Majoor, whose energetic style suits the musicians of both the Atom String Quartet and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra.

Music has always developed by mixing different styles, and especially so in the 20th century. Maybe a new style is emerging, located somewhere between improvised music and classical music?

Christian Danowicz

• Fryderyk 2019