Joep Franssens - Grace (2008)

Grace is an orchestral piece of more than fifteen minutes. It was written for a large instrumentation: lots of woodwinds and brass, timpani and three percussionists (for bass drum, wind chimes, large cymbals, tam-tam and tubular bells), celesta, piano and strings. A slightly amplified, textless soprano voice functions as an orchestral instrument. This soprano is situated in front of the high woodwinds within the ensemble.
The designation 'warm, rich expression' serves as an instruction for the entire work, which is colorfully divided over all orchestral groups and instruments. The piece demands a wide variety of dynamics, but also can become intensely still in a solo for the alto oboe, or in the closing bars for celesta, piano and strings.

Performed by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra with soprano Yvette Bonner, conducted by Vasily Petrenko.
Recorded live at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam on October 18th 2008.