Nordic Voices - Henrik Hellstenius: 'Public Behaviour'; Together (2024)

Ever since he was a child, Norwegian composer Henrik Hellstenius has sought to explore music more freely than by simply mastering the classics. His language, which draws its inspiration from the modes of expression of his time, takes shape in the course of his work through sound, movement, rhythm and silence, as well as in his encounters with musicians and their instruments. Here, much of what is expressed is part of an intense inner monologue: a litany of doubt, affirmation and frustration being whispered, said, sung and shouted. Everything about these two works, from their titles to their modes of expression, suggests that they are directed outwards towards society in general and towards individuals in particular. Public Behaviour is about how we act together in an age of extreme individualism. The work presents musical situations in which the soloist, vocal ensemble and orchestra depict encounters and conflicts around the theme of the individual versus the collective space. Together is a meditation on the relationship between ‘me and the other’. The question is how we relate to the people we meet, work with and live with. The versatile vocal ensemble Nordic Voices performs both works and is joined by some of the best musicians on the Norwegian contemporary scene.

Tracklist
01 - Public Behaviour_ I. Do I_
02 - Public Behaviour_ II. No Matter
03 - Public Behaviour_ III. Falling Apart
04 - Public Behaviour_ IV. Politeness and Anger
05 - Public Behaviour_ V. Listening
06 - Public Behaviour_ VI. Am I_
07 - Public Behaviour_ VII. The Square
08 - Together_ I. -
09 - Together_ II. -
10 - Together_ III.
11 - Together_ IV. -
12 - Together_ V.
13 - Together_ VI. -
14 - Together_ VII. -