Classical Music: Works By Anders Hillborg

Works by Anders Hillborg

No. 2. Liquid Marble; Kväll

Eldbjørg Hemsing violinist
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Esa-Pekka Salonen

Sony Music Classical 19802826132
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Well, I am not sure what to make of this album. To use the adjective ‘interesting’ to describe Anders Hillborg’s works on this disc would be an understatement. It mixes contemporary techniques with moments when you could be listening to a familiar work. The mixture of styles makes for an illuminating experience.

Anders Hillborg is a Swedish contemporary composer, and Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra have joined forces with violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing and soprano Hannah Holgersson to record Liquid Marble, Kväll, and Violin Concerto No. 2.

There are moments of sheer exhilaration and tenderness achieved through demanding technical playing, which certainly doesn’t phase the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. 

The soloists display curious moments of beauty after hearing plangent sounds, and at one point, the frenzied sound of the score would make a great accompaniment to Hitchcock's film The Birds. That said, Hillborg’s sound and colour are highly impressive, and there is resonance in the deeper strings at times.

Hillborg's imaginative and innovative style is bright and intense, akin to gazing into a glowing lightbulb on a dimmer switch. As the electric current decreases, a mystic hue reminiscent of Vaughan Williams emerges.

Imagine a lightbulb: the music envelops the filament, igniting and illuminating a glow not dissimilar to scorching molten steel with unfathomable heat, and imagine it cooling or immersed in a coolant. For me this is the essence of Hillborg's music. However, there are moments when you feel as though you are on top of a mountain, rising above the clouds, and as you descend, you are surrounded by verdant pastures.

Eldbjørg Hemsing is at home playing this music, managing to convey the different sentiments through a virtuosic display of technical ability. Her deep understanding and interpretation of Hillborg’s scores along with Esa-Pekka Salonen adds a degree of presence; quite often it has glorious moving moments as she lets the sound of her instrument tail off into the ether.

There is a significant discourse surrounding classical music and the popularity of its performances. I believe that Hillborg's compositions could serve as a novel approach to draw audiences to concert halls and provide a unique experience.

If my opening paragraph dissuaded you from listening to this album, then I have failed. We should all be open to new ideas, sounds, and concepts.