… Deeply thoughtful and moving… Knaggs embraces many historical influences, powerfully and unapologetically evident in an instantly relatable work which offers, nonetheless, deeper insights with repeated listening… A classic for our time, perhaps?
– CHOIR & ORGAN MAGAZINE (UK)
Knaggs’s score is a welcome addition to the choral repertory, and this recording is worthy of repeated listening. It is highly recommended.
-The American Organist
As a polyglot with six languages under his belt and a former Spanish teacher, American composer Daniel Knaggs is keenly aware of every aspect of text. It’s a sensitivity that serves him well in his vocal music. The world-premiere recording on Cappella Records of his work Two Streams , featuring the Houston Chamber Choir , is a fine case in point.
-Classical Voice North America
Two Streams / Dwa Zdroje (2021) Cantata in 14 movements for choir, soloists, and string orchestra Versions in Polish and English
Commissioned by: The Musica Vera Festival, Torun, Poland
Premiere (in English): Houston Chamber Choir, Kinetic Ensemble, Robert Simpson, cond.; soloists Caitlin Aloia, Sasha Cooke, Christopher Bozeka, Mark Diamond.
Premiere (in Polish): Schola Cantorum Toruniensis, Capella Bydgostiensis, Daniel Knaggs, cond., October 16, 2021, Musica Vera Festival, Torun, Poland
Duration: ca. 65 minutes
Two Streams (2021) - XII. Song of Mercy IV (excerpt) - Houston Chamber Choir, Kinetic Dwa Zdroje (Two Streams Polish version) - II. Wielka ciemność - Michał Jan Barański, tenor; Schola Cantorum Thorunensis, Cappella Bydgostiensis, Daniel Knaggs, cond. Dwa Zdroje (Two Streams Polish version) - IX. Pieśń Miłosierdzia III - Michał Jan Barański, tenor; Schola Cappella Bydgostiensis, Daniel Knaggs, cond. Two Streams (2021 ) - IV. Invocations (excerpt), Houston Chamber Choir, Kinetic Two Streams (2021) - XIII. Come, O Earth (excerpt), Houston Chamber Choir, Kinetic, Caitlin Aloia, Sasha Cooke, Chris Bozeka, Mark Diamond Two Streams - II. Thick darkness (excerpt) Two Streams (2021) - VIII. Medytacja (excerpt), Kinetic
Video of Movement V. Only Love:
VIDEO
Polish premiere performance, Torun, Poland:
VIDEO