In the words of Dostoyevsky, ‘Beauty will save the world.’ This sentiment resonates throughout Camille Thomas’ latest album, Symphony of Hope. Rather than a mere indulgence in aesthetics, Thomas explores the profound connection between pain and hope through her music. This album, featuring the acclaimed ‘Cello Concerto’ composed by Fazil Say, invites listeners on a journey from despair to optimism.
Premiered in 2018, this collection spans the works of ten diverse composers, seamlessly weaving together narratives of sorrow and rejuvenation. Among the poignant offerings are Ravel’s ‘Kaddisch,’ a haunting tribute intertwined with a Jewish prayer for the deceased, and Purcell’s ‘Dido’s Lament,’ a touching lullaby echoing the queen’s heartache. Between these emotional depths lies Gluck’s ‘Dance of the Blessed Spirits,’ an ethereal piece that hints at the first glimmers of hope.
Track Listing:
- 1. Deux mélodies hébraïques, Kaddisch (Maurice Ravel) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 2. Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq30, Dance of the Blessed Spirits (Christoph Willibald Gluck) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 3. Dido and Aeneas, Z626, When I Am Laid in Earth (Dido’s Lament) (Henry Purcell) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 4. Cello concerto, op. 73, ‘Never Give Up’, Never Give Up (Fazil Say) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 5. Cello concerto, op. 73, ‘Never Give Up’, Terror – Elegy (Fazil Say) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 6. Cello concerto, op. 73, ‘Never Give Up’, Song of Hope (Fazil Say) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 7. Kol Nidrei, Op. 47 (Max Bruch) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 8. Wesendonck-Lieder, WWV91, Träume (Richard Wagner) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 9. Gypsy melodies, op. 55, B104, Songs My Mother Taught Me (Antonin Dvorák) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 10. Theme from Schindler’s List (John Williams) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 11. Werther, Pourquoi Me Réveiller (Jules Massenet) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 12. L’elisir d’amore, Una Furtiva Lagrima (Gaetano Donizetti) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
- 13. Norma, Casta Diva (Vincenzo Bellini) – Camille Thomas/Brussels Philharmonic
Caleb Wilson (verified owner) –
Camille Thomas’ Symphony of Hope is a breathtaking journey that beautifully captures the essence of music for hope. Highly recommend!
James Harris (verified owner) –
The album is a masterful blend of sorrow and hope, making it one of the best classical music for hope I’ve ever listened to.
James Massey (verified owner) –
I was deeply moved by Camille Thomas’ interpretation of the cello concerto by Fazil Say. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to buy a cello album that inspires.