The Exterminating Angel Symphony (2020):
I. Entrances
II. March
III. Berceuse
IV. Waltzes

Violin Concerto (2005):
I. Rings
II. Paths
III. Rounds

The Minnesota Orchestra and its music director Thomas Sondergard delve into the imaginative world of Thomas Ades, a singular voice in contemporary classical music. Featuring two of his most compelling orchestral works, The Exterminating Angel Symphony - a world premiere recording - and the Violin Concerto, this album captures Ades’ uncanny ability to merge intellectual rigor with raw emotional immediacy. With orchestral textures both radiant and unsettling, Ades evokes a surreal musical landscape, brought vividly to life by Sondergard’s incisive direction and violinist Leila Josefowicz’s electrifying performance. Highlighting two distinct sides of Ades’ artistry, cinematic drama and virtuosic intimacy, this recording explores the composer’s breadth with striking clarity. Josefowicz brings fierce expressivity and precision to the Violin Concerto, while the orchestra navigates the volatile energy of The Exterminating Angel Symphony with gripping intensity. This album marks the PENTATONE debut of the Minnesota Orchestra and Leila Josefowicz, while Thomas Sondergard appeared on Lutoslawski & Dutilleux Cello Concertos together with Johannes Moser and Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin in 2018.

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This album was recorded live at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, between 26-28 September 2024, Total Time: 39:43