Amor Aeternus: A Requiem for the Common Man [Winterhall Records], presents Heidi Breyer‘s ten-movement, choral-orchestral magnum opus of the same name. Written over the span of ten years, Amor Aeternus presents select Latin liturgical prayers from the requiem mass. Recorded during the 2020-2021 Covid-19 lockdown, Breyer’s CD is now available here and on streaming platforms.
Recording Amor Aeternus
In July of 2020, Grammy-winning cellist and producer Eugene Friesen contacted me about recording string section tracks for a demo of Breyer’s Lacrymosa. A longtime Berklee College of Music Professor, Eugene knew that Berklee personnel were among the few musicians with both classical training and the skills to record themselves professionally and remotely. Other contracted strings included Berklee alumni Bengisu Gokce and Echae Kang on violins, and Bruno Råberg on double bass. While Eugene would record cello, I would supply all six viola tracks. Additionally, I recorded four second violin tracks to supplement those recorded by Kang and Gokce.
Recording remote string sections by oneself requires subtle tricks of the trade. For each independent track, performers must make subtle adjustments to create richness and build the impression of a typical orchestra consisting of diverse musicians. Different microphones, bows, and mutes can modify the tone. In particular, players must vary their vibrato and timbre. To create a sense of acoustic space, musicians will set up chairs as they would for a string section in the studio. Because location is linked to spatial perception, each track is recorded from a different seat.
Two months after our successful demo, Eugene reached out and hired the same team to record the remaining movements of the full work. Over the fall, winter, and spring, we recorded Amor Aeternus, track by track. The CD recording released in February 2022.
Here is one of my favorite vocal tracks and prayers, “Pie Jesu,” featuring soprano Liz Rogers:
Pie Jesu, Domine, dona eis requiem
Pie Jesu, Domine, dona eis requiem sempiternam.
Blessed Jesus, Lord, give them rest
Blessed Jesus, Lord, give them eternal rest
Amor Aeternus World Premiere
Once vaccines allowed for a safer return to public performance, Heidi contacted Eugene and me about giving Amor Aeternus its long-awaited live premiere. After discussing possibilities and the budget for performers, Breyer booked Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium. In addition to most of the musicians featured on the recording, Breyer contracted additional personnel to comprise a full orchestra, soloists, and a chorus. On July 21st, 2022, we gave a successful premiere:
Although every time and circumstance presents its own challenges, liturgical works offer timeless prayers that can offer comfort and peace. Amor Aeternis continues this tradition with a fresh, modern classical setting. Have a listen.
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