Labyrinths

A beautiful, winding, and unexpected journey inspired by ideas of pilgrimage, contemplation, exploration, or enlightenment. Orchestra of the Swan’s musical adventure sets off with Max Richter’s gentle sonic sunrise “On the Nature of Daylight,” with stop offs at Respighi’s lushly orchestrated portrait of a dove, funeral music by Buxtehude arranged for jazz ensemble, and even one of Pink Floyd’s early songs, “See Emily Play,” in one of several typically creative arrangements by the orchestra’s artistic director, David Le Page. In fact, this whole album is shot through with extraordinary variety. Trish Clowes’ “Bounce” preludes contemplative Britten, while Yann Tiersen’s soundtrack to Amélie sits between folk musician Jim Moray’s charming version of an old Scottish ballad and Piazzolla’s powerful “Oblivion.”