is a 70-minute oratorio that presents a haunting montage of poetry and letters by Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, interwoven with Catholic prayers.
The work unfolds through the memories of an aging Siegfried Sassoon, reflecting on his intense friendship with Owen at Craiglockhart War Hospital in 1917—a relationship that, according to historical sources, may have had romantic undertones. Both poets were passionate opponents of war, rejecting any romanticization of it and exposing its brutal reality.
The message of the oratorio is universal: it denounces the senselessness of all wars, from 1917 to today. Why do we shorten our lives through suffering? Why do we fight, when love exists in every human being
Falling for Love is a captivating exploration of love in its many forms, brought to life by the soprano Mira Alkhovik and the pianist Alla Belova. Recorded in October 2023 in Copenhagen, this album offers a rich tapestry of emotions through a selection of songs by Schubert, Chausson, Pijper, Nielsen, Rachmaninov, Berg, and Enescu.
From the joyous and passionate to the mystical and tragic, each piece reflects a unique facet of love’s complexities. Alkhovik’s voice soars with warmth and intensity, perfectly complemented by Belova’s sensitive and nuanced accompaniment. Together, they deliver performances that are as technically brilliant as they are deeply moving.
Falling for Love invites listeners on a journey of discovery, revealing the profound beauty and emotional depth of experiencing love in its many manifestations.