Guitarist Miloš Announces ‘The Moon & The Forest’

“Classical Guitar God” (The Times) Miloš has announced he will release his new album The Moon & The Forest, featuring two original concertos written especially for him, on 30 April 2021. The Moon & The Forest features world premiere recordings of guitar concertos by award-winning composers Howard Shore (Lord of the Rings, The Departed) and Joby Talbot (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Winter’s Tale), inspired by Miloš’ artistry and his Montenegrin heritage.

Miloš explained, “It has long been my wish to challenge composers to write for the classical guitar, particularly with regards to the concerto repertoire. For centuries, this instrument has touched many people around the world and yet its repertoire remains very much underrepresented in the classical mainstream. It is exactly this that inspired me to seek new ideas and approach Joby and Howard in the first place.”

Howard Shore’s The Forest

Howard Shore’s guitar concerto The Forest was inspired by Montenegro and its dark forests and the symbiotic relationship between people and the earth. Shore noted, “I too live in a place where I am encompassed by things that grow and bloom and fade. It is everchanging. It is always striving for equilibrium and harmony. I find this interconnectedness and interdependency inspiring. These are ideas I carry with me and are often the source from which I express my musical ideas.”

Miloš added, “The first time I heard the piece, I was moved by the honest simplicity of its harmonies, idiomatic writing and incredibly programmatic nature that makes you instantly dream up so many colours and sceneries in your head. The work is magical, just like the enchanted forest Howard wanted to paint with his unique musical brushstrokes.”

Joby Talbot’s Ink Dark Moon

Joby Talbot’s Ink Dark Moon also takes inspiration from Miloš’ heritage and incorporates Balkan dance themes. With its dramatic orchestration and virtuosic guitar part the piece challenges the perceived notion of what a guitar concerto can and should be. Ink Dark Moon received its premiere at the 2018 BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and is named after a collection of Japanese love poetry.

Miloš reflected, “Ink Dark Moon is like a perfect symphony – there is no element of delicacy or virtuosity left untouched. Joby loves the guitar – he celebrates it and envelops its delicate voice with veils of sound and colour. The full power of the orchestration and guitar writing in the third movement breaks the glass ceiling of possibilities.”

Miloš’ new album The Moon & The Forest also includes innovative new arrangements for solo guitar of Ludovico Einaudi’s Full Moon and Robert Schumann’s Träumerei.

“This new music is my own fairytale come true”

“This new music is my own fairytale come true – two world premiere concerto recordings and two beautiful new transcriptions,” said Miloš. “I hope its magic will touch many and continue to live on long after this release.”

Miloš’ new album The Moon & The Forest will be released on 30 April 2021 and can be pre-ordered here.

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