Content:

Earquake

The Loudest Classical Music of All Time

Various composers

Re-issue, originally released in 1997



Artists:
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Leif Segerstam, conductor

Genres:
Orchestral

Features:

Notes in English and German

Format:
CD

Released:
February 2017

Catalogue No.:
ODE 1210-2

EAN/UPC Code:
0761195121023

Track listing

CD 59:07
Howard Hanson (1896-1981)
1 Hanson's 6th, from Symphony No. 6, 6th movement, Allegro 1:55
Ture Rangström (1884-1947)
2 Invocatio, from Symphony No. 4, 2nd movement 2:58
Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978)
3 Mountaineers from Gayaneh 1:54
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
4 Ala et Lolly from Scythian Suite 2:22
Jacob Druckman (1928-1996)
5 Prism, excerpt from After Cavalli 2:49
Silvestre Revualtas (1899-1940)
6 Night of the Mayas, 4th variation and finale from Night of Enchantment 3:47
Carl Nielsen (1865 - 1931)
7 Aladdin, from Aladdin Suite, Negro Dance - featuring Finnish Philharmonic Choir, chorus master Juha Kuivanen 4:26
Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983)
8 Malambo from Ballet Suite Estancia 3:45
Erwin Schulhoff (1894-1942)
9 Weapon Dance from Ogelala 4:17
Leif Segerstam (1944-)
10 Nostalgic Thoughts from Nostalgic Thoughts in KAAMOStime 2:20
William Bolcom (1938)
11 Machine from Symphony No. 5, 4th movement 3:42
Jacques Ibert (1890-1962)
12 Bacchanale, excerpt from Bacchanale 3:22
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)
13 War Dance from Belkis, Queen of Sheba 2:44
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
14 Can-Can from Golden Age 6:21
Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016)
15 Angel of Light, Symphony No. 7, excerpt from 3rd movement, Come un sogno 3:00
Jón Leifs (1899-1968)
16 Hekla 9:18


Complete description

This disc brings together some of the loudest, most exciting music ever written – neither music, nor your hearing, will ever be the same! An explosive collection of great tunes, driving rhythms, and sonic thrills.

 

The music has been arranged for continuous listening. With that in mind, three quiet “valleys” have been programmed to provide contrast with the very loud music that follows them. You may find that the contrast actually adds to the excitement.  

 

The final track, Hekla (by Jón Leifs), is probably the loudest single piece of music ever written. It describes, in very graphic terms, the eruption of Hekla, Iceland’s largest active volcano. The 140 piece Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra under Leif Segerstam includes, among others, a 22-person percussion section, four sets of rocks hit with hammers, two heavy metal chains, anvils, steel plates, sirens, and several dozen cannon shots.