Harrison(1917-2003) - Violin Concerto, etc : T.Fain(Vn)Gil-Ordonez / Postclassical Ensemble - Import CD

Credits:

Sonia Prina

Description:

Lou Harrison, an American composer of contemporary music, wrote many works using his unique technique of collecting ethnic music from around the world and reflecting the essence of such music in his own compositions. His "Violin Concerto," conceived in 1940, features a gorgeous solo violin competing with a group of percussionists, including a gamelan. The piece is a work of music that is both a work of art and a work of music. The piece offers an intriguing sonority that fully embodies the sound Harrison sought. The "Grand Duo" for piano and violin also requires the piano to play a special technique reminiscent of "gamelan sounds. The third movement, "Annabelle and April," are the names of two daughters of his friend Dennis Russell Davis, whose creation originally began with the polka in the fifth movement. The "Two Musics" was created when Harrison and John Cage were collaborating. Although the two eventually broke up over "differences in direction," there is a definite friendship in this work. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Allegro maestoso
2.Largo cantabile
3.Allegro vigoroso poco presto
4.Prelude
5.Stampede
6.A Round (Annabel & April's)
7.Air
8.Polka
9.Double Music for percussion quartet